In certain areas of the United States, as many as one in 1,000 children is born with fetal alcohol syndrome. Depending on the study or report, estimates are even higher, with figures closer to six to nine out of 1,000 children.
It’s a condition most have heard of, but what is it?
Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FADs), a group of conditions caused by exposure to alcohol before birth. For some, this results in physical outcomes ranging from growth deficiencies and skeletal defects to cardiovascular problems. Others exhibit behavioral issues and learning disabilities. However, in many cases, children will exhibit symptoms associated with a combination of these adverse consequences. The child’s development is one of the most significant risk factors.
Bottom line: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of birth and development defects in the United States. Here is what you need to know about alcohol and pregnancy, the consequences of fetal alcohol syndrome, and the next steps.
What Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
As defined above, fetal alcohol syndrome is a spectrum disorder that involves exposure of the body and brain to alcohol in the womb. This disability is a lifelong condition that often requires support.
Common signs and symptoms of this syndrome include:
- Smaller than average head size
- Shorter than average height and low body weight
- Abnormal facial features, such as a smooth ridge between the upper lip and nose
- Heart, kidney, or bone-related issues
- Sleep and sucking issues as a baby
- Vision or hearing problems
- Learning and intellectual disabilities
- Poor reasoning and judgment
- Language delays
- Poor memory
- Poor coordination
- Hyperactive behavior
To diagnose this syndrome at birth, doctors often look for apparent physical symptoms, such as minor facial feature issues or significantly low body weight. As individuals grow and develop, symptoms can become more prominent. For example, a child may struggle with learning at school or have trouble getting along with others. Issues related to communication, hearing, and vision are other clear signs.
Risks of Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
Data suggests that there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume while pregnant. Prenatal binge drinking has detrimental effects on child cognition, and infrequent drinking could have a profound effect on child behavior — which could significantly influence their ability to attend school and get an education.
The most significant risk factor is alcohol reaching the baby through the mother’s umbilical cord. However, genetic variables are also being researched extensively. A baby’s brain develops throughout the pregnancy and could be affected by alcohol exposure at any time. Luckily, it’s never too late to stop using alcohol during pregnancy.
Getting help for alcohol abuse during pregnancy today could make all the difference to your baby’s future. If you suffer from alcoholism and you’re pregnant, you must seek professional support concerning the withdrawal and detox period. You’ll want to complete this process under medical supervision to protect yourself and your baby. A clinical team will monitor your symptoms and, depending on how far along you are, the well-being of your unborn baby.
Alcohol and Pregnancy: Treatment for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
No two people born with fetal alcohol syndrome are identical, which can make treatment a complex process. While one child may experience poor growth and a reduced head size, another could struggle with memory and learning. A third child could experience all of the above.
Treatment plans to address the consequences of alcohol and pregnancy are often most effective when tailored to the individual, focusing on their specific impairments while building on their strengths. There is no cure for fetal alcohol syndrome. However, research shows that early intervention can impact a child’s development. In most states, a child diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome is immediately eligible for early intervention services.
Treatment is offered based on five categories:
- Medical care, including the assistance of specialists when necessary. Depending on one’s impairments, the types of specialists who may get involved include physical therapists, speech-language therapists, neurologists, mental health professionals, and nutritionists.
- Medications that help improve symptoms include anti-anxiety drugs, stimulants for those with attention or behavioral issues, and antidepressants.
- Behavior and education therapy can help children build appropriate social skills, self-regulation, mathematical knowledge, etc. Various programs are available, including Families Moving Forward (FMF) and Parents and Children Together (PACT).
- Parent training is often imperative in educating parents about their child’s unique needs. These training courses can be completed in a group or within individual families.
- Alternative approaches include everything from yoga and exercise to art and animal-assisted therapy.
Treating Mothers Struggling With Alcohol Abuse
There’s another side of the coin concerning treatment, as mothers may require assistance with alcoholism. As discussed above, the earlier you seek help, the better. If you’re trying to become pregnant, entering an alcohol rehab in Delray Beach, Florida, before conception can help ensure you have a strong hold on your recovery process. This step will also ensure you have the support team you need throughout pregnancy.
Entering a partial hospitalization program or accessing the psychiatric services needed to remain on track creates a safety net that can be life-changing for you and your developing baby. This proactive approach can help you avoid the long-lasting complications associated with alcohol and pregnancy.
If your situation involves mental health concerns, and you have yet to address underlying symptoms, you must seek a treatment facility that prioritizes holistic, individualized treatment. Learn about common co-occurring disorders and invest in your future with the help of a dual-diagnosis treatment center. Seeking treatment is always a timely process, as the sooner you seek recovery, the better. However, in this case, seeking treatment today is vital for the well-being of another person — your baby. Your choices and actions today could significantly influence the rest of your child’s life.
Key Takeaways
Since no two people with fetal alcohol syndrome are the same concerning their symptoms, home environment, and genetics, the condition is complex and often requires comprehensive individualized treatment. On that note, there are some key takeaways that everyone can take away from this alcohol and pregnancy guide.
These include the following:
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a serious condition that can have long-term effects on a baby’s development.
Drinking alcohol throughout your pregnancy, whether for a month or nine months, can have a lifelong effect on your child’s development. Your inability to not drink alcohol during this brief window could mean your child is unable to live a fully functional, independent life as an adult. This condition is severe, as it can directly affect a baby’s developing brain. As a result, physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and behavioral impairments may develop. While treatment options are available, there is no cure, and some children will suffer directly from maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Alcohol use during pregnancy can increase the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome.
When it comes to alcohol and pregnancy, there is no safe amount to consume. Complete abstinence is strongly recommended. Data shows that alcohol use as a risk factor is associated with younger maternal age, fewer prenatal visits, and a history of mental illness or substance abuse. While several risk factors exist, the greatest variable is alcohol consumption — either regular maternal alcohol use or binge drinking.
It is important to get proper treatment for fetal alcohol syndrome as soon as possible.
The worst thing you can do is ignore an underlying issue, avoiding treatment until after your child is born. If you plan to become pregnant or are currently carrying a child, understanding the severity of this condition is the first crucial step. It is never too late to get help, as the more alcohol a developing baby is exposed to, the greater the risk of severe consequences. The sooner you quit drinking, the better chance your baby will have of experiencing healthy development.
Transformations Can Help You Take the Next Step
Are you aware that there’s an issue? Are you concerned about your child’s development because of the link between alcohol and pregnancy?
If so, we can help. Transformations Treatment Center offers treatment options for all substance use and mental health disorders. Our programs highlight evidence-based treatment options, focusing on individualized support.
Ready to take the next step to protect yourself and your child? Please get in touch with our professional team to discuss your unique situation today.
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