Drinking And Pregnancy

In 1968 French medical researchers identified a set of abnormalities in children born to alcoholic mothers. These abnormalities came to be known collectively as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The defects associated with FAS are caused when drunk of alcohol by the mother crosses the placenta from the blood of the unborn child, and interferes with normal biological development.

Most babies were separate FAS facial features. They usually have a small head, small eyes, thin upper lips, low, deep nasal bridge, and flattened cheekbones. In addition to their distinctive facial features, babies with FAS a variety of other physical defects. They generally stunted. They are shorter and lighter in weight, on average, than non-FAS infants. The delay of growth tends to persist in childhood. Babies often strain FAS in their bones and joints and may have some heart defects. Motor coordination tends to be poor, too. The most devastating problems, however, the center of their intellectual development.

The developing brain is particularly sensitive to alcohol. Prenatal exposure to alcohol appears to cause defective arrangement of cells in the brain. Thus, FAS babies have reduced the potential to develop their thinking and reasoning. By the time they reach school age, babies generally FAS signs of mental retardation. Throughout their childhood, they have a short attention disorders and poor learning skills.

In addition to their many intellectual problems, children with FAS have a range of behavioral problems. They tend to be restless, irritable and aggressive. They are likely to have poor impulse control. Because they have difficulty interpreting and responding to social cues, children with FAS often have few friends.

Today we know that the mother does not need to be an alcoholic to give birth to a child who shows signs of FAS. consistent use of the mother liquor, even in small quantities throughout pregnancy may have adverse effects on the unborn child. Occasional binge drinking during pregnancy can also have profound effects.

It is estimated that 1 child in 750 suffers from FAS. Perhaps another 10 infants suffering from fetal alcohol effects (FAE). E refers to a condition which is somewhat less severe than FAS. The child with FAE did not show any signs of FAS in its own right, but many share the same development defects. For example, children generally FAE disabilities and behavioral problems that continue throughout childhood and beyond.

How much alcohol a woman can safely eat when she is pregnant? Sometimes a doctor telling a woman that a glass of wine from time to time does not hurt her unborn child. However, the fact of the matter is, nobody knows with certainty how much alcohol is necessary to harm the unborn child. The National Organization of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has said that "no amount of alcohol has been proven safe to consume during pregnancy." The best advice for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy is to abstain of all consumption. By following this advice, the wide range of birth defects associated with FAS / FAE can be prevented.