Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal Alcohol SyndromeBy: Meghan Jacobson

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

• Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that results from alcohol exposure during pregnancy.

Facts:• Alcohol causes more harm than heroin

or cocaine during pregnancy.

• 1 in 1000 babies exhibit symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

• Drinking during the first trimester of pregnancy results in most severe problems.

How much is too much?• The more you drink while pregnant,

the greater the risk.• For some women, even just a sip can

cause Fetal Alcohol Effects.• It makes no difference if the alcohol

is wine, beer, or liquor.

Effects on the Baby:• physical deformities • mental retardation• learning disorders • vision difficulties • behavioral problems

Caring for a Child with FAS:• Implement daily routines to which

your child can become accustomed.• Create and enforce simple rules and

limits.• Point out and use rewards to

reinforce acceptable behavior.• Teach your child skills for daily living.

Prevention:• Don’t consume alcohol if you are

trying to get pregnant or are pregnant.

• Avoid drinking during breastfeeding.• If you have an alcohol problem,

get help before you get pregnant.

Resources:• About fas. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.nofas.org• Facts about fasds. (2010, October 6th). Retrieved from

http://www.cdc.gov/NCBDDD/fasd/facts.html• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. (2013, May 2).

Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/fetalalcoholspectrumdisorders.html

• Fetal alcohol syndrome. (2013). Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/fas.html

• The fetal alcohol crisis. (2000, September 25). Retrieved from fathersforlife.org

Questions?