What is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)?
FAS is one of the most common known causes of mental retardation. It is the only cause that is entirely preventable. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that between 1,000 and 6,000 babies in the United States are born yearly with FAS (6).
Babies with FAS are abnormally small at birth and usually do not catch up on growth as they get older. They have characteristic facial features, including small eyes, a thin upper lip and smooth skin in place of the normal groove between the nose and upper lip. Their organs, especially the heart, may not form properly. Many babies with FAS also have a brain that is small and abnormally formed. Most have some degree of mental disability. Many have poor coordination, a short attention span and emotional and behavioral problems.
The effects of FAS and other FASDs last a lifetime. Even if not mentally retarded, adolescents and adults with FAS and other FASDs are at risk for psychological and behavioral problems and criminal behavior (2). They often find it difficult to keep a job and live independently (2, 6).
If a pregnant woman consumes a lot of alcohol during her pregnancy, and particularly during the earlier part of her pregnancy, the developing fetus will be harmed, and will be born with neurological problems described as fetal alcohol syndrome. The symptoms include reduced intelligence, emotional instability, and a great susceptibility to Alcoholism. Another way of looking at this is, a person who has fetal alcohol syndrome will exhibit similar symptoms when sober, to what a normal person exhibits when drunk.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
I'm not sure if there are two acronyms, one for women's health and one for this, but FAS traditionally stands for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The more PC term today is FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).
Approximately one in four live births are a victim of FAS.
a person with fetal alcohol syndrome requires special medical services such as an apple a day keeps the doctor away or a shot of whiskey keeps the fas away.
If a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy, her baby can be born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a lifelong condition that causes physical and mental disabilities. FAS is characterized by abnormal facial features, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system (CNS) problems. People with FAS might have problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, hearing, or a combination of these. These problems often lead to difficulties in school and problems getting along with others.
FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME(FAS) only occurs if a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. But not every child who's mother drank during there pregnancy gets born with FAS. However, by not drinking during pregnancy, woman can ensure that their babies will NOT have FAS or any other negative effects.
fetal alcohol effect is not as severe
You don't treat it - you prevent it. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a serious health problem that tragically affects its victims and their families, but that is completely preventable. Causing a child to suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome is really nothing short of child abuse and it lasts for life. Babies born with FAS tend to weigh less and be shorter than normal. They usually suffer from: • smaller heads • deformed facial features • abnormal joints and limbs • poor coordination • problems with learning • short memories Victims of fetal alcohol syndrome often experience mental health problems, disrupted school experience, inappropriate sexual behavior, trouble with the law, alcohol and drug problems, difficulty caring for themselves and their children, and homelessness.
It depends on the severity of the fetal alcohol syndrome. Some are able to function in society while others will be dependent on state assistance.
The main effect of FAS is permanent central nervous system damage, having recently drunk alcohol, and up to 30% drink alcohol at some point during pregnancy.
According to the Medical Encyclopedia:Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of birth defects, learning, and behavioral problems affecting individuals whose mothers consumed alcohol duringpregnancy.Read more information on Answers.com via the Related Link.something that can make your baby have mental problems.