Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Overview
Causes
Alcohol can cross from the mother's blood to the baby's blood. Even a small amount of any type can harm a growing baby.
Blood Traveling Through Mother's Placenta to Baby |
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Alcohol travels through this path and affects the baby's development, particularly the heart and brain. |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Birth and growth problems depend on when the exposure happened and how much was consumed.
Babies with FAS may have:
- Low birth weight
- Small size and slowed growth
- Small head
- Small eyes
- Short, flat nose
- Flat cheeks
- Small jaws
- Misshapen ears
- Thin upper lip
- Shaking
- Sight and hearing problems
- Problems seeing
As the infant grows, other symptoms may develop, such as:
- Problems eating and sleeping
- Delayed speech
- Learning problems
- Poor coordination
- Behavior problems
- Lack of impulse control
- Problems getting along with other children
Children do not outgrow these problems. Teens and adults often have social and emotional problems. They may also have:
- Problems at school
- Problems keeping a job
- Trouble living on one's own
- Mental health problems
- Alcohol or substance abuse disorder
- Anxiety problems
- Anger problems
- Legal problems
Treatments
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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