Home

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome FAS is a disorder of permanent birth defects that occur in the offspring of pregnant mothers who drink throughout their pregnancy. A relatively new condition that has only recently been discovered, it is difficult to determine whether amount, frequency or timing of alcohol consumption has an effect on the unborn child. Thus, it has been determined that no amount of alcohol consumption is acceptable during pregnancy.

According to FASAware, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is the biggest cause of non-genetic mental handicap in the Western world and is 100 preventable. Common effects of FAS include smaller and underweight babies, slack muscle tones, a thin upper lip, low nasal bridge, permanent brain damage, speech impediments, heart and eye disorders and many more. It would seem that almost every type of birth defect can be attributed to drinking throughout the pregnancy.

Of all of the birth defects, central nervous system damage to the brain is the main effect of alcohol exposure in the womb. When brain cells are developing, they become malformed and underdeveloped when exposed to alcohol by the parent. This can create a variety of cognitive and functional disabilities such as poor memory and attention deficits. There are also a number of secondary disabilities including mental health problems and drug addiction.

The risk of brain damage from exposure to alcohol is apparent in every trimester as the brain is in constant development throughout the pregnancy.

FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation in the Western world. In the United States alone, FAS is present up to two times in every 1,000 births which is higher than other developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome and Spina Bifida.

FAS is relatively unknown at the moment and it is difficult to pinpoint its exact cause. The first known observation of birth deficits was made in 1899 by Liverpudlian, Dr. William Sullivan. Sullivan...

Read more...