FASD may present in childhood or early adulthood with mild social or intellectual concerns, or it can present with birth defects and growth problems during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most severe form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, a range of conditions caused by exposure to alcohol in the womb. FAS symptoms include distinctive facial features, lower-than-average height and weight, and problems with brain and nervous system development.

Similar articles in PubMed

There is no single test for fetal alcohol syndrome (a lifelong condition), but early detection and treatment can greatly improve the lives of children with FAS. Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure can cause alterations to the developing brain. The resulting neurobehavioral deficits seen following this exposure are wide-ranging and potentially devastating and, therefore, are of significant concern to individuals, families, communities, and society. These effects occur on a continuum, and qualitatively similar neuropsychological and behavioral features are seen across the spectrum of effect. The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) has been used to emphasize the continuous nature of the outcomes of prenatal alcohol exposure, with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) representing one point on the spectrum.

Relationship of hippocampal thickness and gyrification to cognitive performance

Prior to being enrolled in the study, a phone screen and record review were completed to determine the history of PAE. Eligibility criteria for the PAE group included documented evidence of heavy PAE (≥ 13 drinks/week or ≥ 4 successive drinks during ≥ 1 week during pregnancy). Participants completed a physical assessment conducted by one of two trained investigators (KLJ and JRW) to obtain ratings of the upper lip and philtrum, and measurements of palpebral fissure length (PFL), height, weight, and occipitofrontal circumference (OFC). The Modified Institute of Medicine criteria for FASD 45 were used for diagnostic classification. Normative data from Nelhaus et al. 46 were used to identify OFC abnormalities, and CDC Growth Charts 47 were used to quantify growth deficiency (≤ 10th percentile in height or weight for age and sex). Parent-report measures were used to identify anomalies in behavior and adaptive functioning.

Behavioral interventions

• It’s impossible to exactly pinpoint all of the development during pregnancy, making it risky to drink alcohol at any time prior to birth.
• When a person drinks alcohol during pregnancy, it acts as a toxin and interferes with the normal growth and development of the brain and body of the developing infant.

And other disorders, such as ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and Williams syndrome, have some symptoms like Substance abuse FAS. Because brain growth takes place throughout pregnancy, stopping alcohol use will improve the baby’s health and well-being. Parental training is meant to help parents to help families cope with behavioral, educational and social challenges. Parents might learn different routines and rules that can help their child adapt to different situations. Often, having a stable and supportive home can help children with FAS avoid developing mental and emotional difficulties as they get older. Fetal alcohol syndrome isn’t curable, and the symptoms will impact your child throughout life.

• Some have argued that the FAS label stigmatizes alcohol use, while authorities point out that the risk is real.
• A social worker can direct you to community programs that offer help, for example, Alcoholics Anonymous.
• She tells us more about decreasing stigma and how to provide appropriate information to children and families.
• Alcohol use during pregnancy causes life-long issues that can be very serious.

Data availability

Participants with PAE demonstrated thinner hippocampi compared to unexposed comparison participants in portions of the subiculum and CA1 regions while other areas of thickness were similar across groups (Figs. 2 & S1). In addition, participants with PAE showed lower gyrification in widespread portions of CA1 and subiculum in the bilateral hippocampus (Figs. 2 & S2). The hippocampus is a critical subcortical structure involved in diverse cognitive functions including learning and memory, emotional processing, and aspects of executive functioning. Its development begins during the first months of life, continues rapidly into the 2nd year of life, and then continues at a slower, progressive pace into the 3rd and 4th years of life 16, 17. The human hippocampus initially appears as a rudimentary flat form around 10 weeks of gestation. Thickening of the dentate gyrus region induces a rotation of the cornu ammonis (CA), resulting in infolding of the structure and deepening of the hippocampal sulcus 18.

• These include medicines to help with some symptoms, medical care for health problems, behavior and education therapy, and parent training.
• Over time, a number of secondary effects can happen in people with FAS, particularly in those who aren’t treated for the condition in childhood.
• The symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome tend to get worse as a person grows up.

If a pregnant person has a problem with using alcohol and cannot stop using, substance use treatment during pregnancy should be offered. Not only can this prevent fetal alcohol syndrome disorders in future children, but it can also provide parenting skills to help their child with fetal alcohol syndrome. The most effective treatments for fetal alcohol syndrome target your child’s specific issues. But certain medicines can help with symptoms such https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/10-celebrities-who-died-because-of-alcoholism/ as hyperactivity, inability to focus, or anxiety. Many of its symptoms can seem like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To prevent fetal alcohol syndrome, don’t drink alcohol during pregnancy.

History and Physical

We acknowledge the contributions of Proof Alliance, which included assistance with participant recruitment and public awareness of the study. We also acknowledge the contributions of Alyssa Krueger and Christopher Lindgren who assisted with study execution. We also acknowledge the contribution of Kenneth Lyons Jones who assisted with performing dysmorphology examinations for participants in the study. Receiving treatment as soon as possible in childhood can help decrease the likelihood of developing these secondary effects in life. In 2019, CDC researchers found that 1 in 9 pregnant people drank alcohol in a 30-day period of time. However, recognizing the problem early and getting treatment for symptoms of the disorder can improve outcomes for your child.

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) Quiz

Visit the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator® to learn more about evidence-based treatments for alcohol-related problems. Fetal alcohol fetal alcohol syndrome syndrome (FAS) is a condition that develops in a fetus (developing baby) when a pregnant person drinks alcohol during pregnancy. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that happen together as the result of a particular disease or abnormal condition.