The Effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome on Infants

Prenatal exposure to alcohol can have detrimental effects throughout a child's life. The primary concerns are changes in the brain that can lead to deficiencies in cognitive functioning, including memory and learning problems, attention deficits, poor motor coordination, and difficulties problem solving. The symptoms of prenatal exposure to alcohol are also known as fetal alcohol syndrome. These cognitive deficiencies cause long-term problems for children as they mature into adulthood in the areas of school, work, and social functioning.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was first recognized and identified in 1968. It is currently the leading cause of mental retardation in western civilization, outranking Down syndrome. In the United States, according to O'Malley and Nanson (O'Malley and Nanson, 2002), more than 5,000 infants are diagnosed each year. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a pattern of mental and physical defects, which develops, in some unborn babies when the mother drinks too much alcohol during pregnancy. A baby born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may be seriously handicap

Recent studies have shown that pregnant women will reduce or cease their alcohol intake if they are made aware of the harmful effects of alcohol on their babies (O'Malley & Nanson, (2002). However, the most critical period for the fetus is the first trimester when the mother may not even suspect she is pregnant. For such women, an early warning system is imperative. The best advice for a woman who drank before she knew she was pregnant is to stop drinking for the remainder of the pregnancy and get regular prenatal care.

Crabbe, John (2002). Fetal alcohol syndrome - Effects on Brain and Development Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 61(3), 484

The alcohol that the pregnant woman drinks goes directly to the developing baby at the same level of concentration. If the mother's blood alcohol level is 0.2, so is the baby's. However, the mother is much, much larger. Her mature liver acts to detoxify the alcohol. On the other hand, the fetus is incredibly smaller. Its liver is not yet mature. Therefore, while the mother might stay drunk for several hours, the developing fetus can stay drunk for three to four days.

Green, H.L (2002). Caring for a Child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Journal of American Academy of Physician Assistants, 15(3), 31

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