Brains for Bio!: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome! :(

Imagine, going out to a party where there is alcohol involved and you see a soon to be mother picking up a beer. What would you do? Would you let her in on the potentially fatal effects it could have on her baby or would you sit back and not speak for a little child that can't voice their own opinion? Drinking alcohol while being pregnant can cause miscarriages, stillbirth or premature delivery. It can also cause fetal alcohol syndrome which affects the growth, mental and physical aspects of a baby when a mother drinks alcohol while she is pregnant. The use of alcohol during pregnancy can cause the same risks as using alcohol in general. Although, it poses more risks to the fetus. When a woman that is pregnant drinks alcohol, it smoothly passes across the placenta to the fetus. Drinking can harm the baby's development because of this. A pregnant woman who drinks any alcohol is at risk, because there is no "safe" level of alcohol use while pregnant. Larger amounts of alcohol do appear to increase the problems. Binge drinking has more severe effects to the fetus than drinking small amounts of alcohol. The timing of alcohol consumption is also very critical. Drinking any alcoholic substance appears to be the most harmful during the first three months of pregnancy.

A baby that may have fetal alcohol syndrome may have many different symptoms. Babies could have poor growth while he or she is in the womb and after birth. The baby could also have decreased muscle tone and poor coordination. Another symptom would be delayed development and significant functional problems in three or more major areas such as thinking, speech, movement, or social skills for the age of the baby. Heart defects could also occur such as ventricular septal defect or atrial septal defect. Babies with fetal alcohol syndrome could have narrow, small eyes with large epicanthal folds, a small head, upper jaw, a smooth groove in upper lip, and a smooth and thin upper lip.

Many tests and exams can be taken to reveal if a newborn has fetal alcohol syndrome. A physical exam of the baby could possibly show a heart murmur or other problems relating to the heart. As the baby begins to develop there might be signs of delayed mental development. There is also the possibility of facial or skeleton damages. Tests that can be taken are the blood alcohol level in soon to be mothers who show signs of being under the influence. Brain imaging studies such as a CT or MRI can be taken to show abnormal brain development. An ultrasound shows slowed growth of the fetus also. Women who are pregnant or trying to be should avoid drinking any alcoholic substance. Pregnant women that suffer from alcoholism should join an alcohol abuse rehabilitation group and be monitored closely by a health care provider throughout her pregnancy.

Now back to the question, would you voice your opinion about the pregnant women drinking alcohol at the party and speak up for the little baby inside of her with no chance? All I can say after reading this is that women who are pregnant please don't drink or do drugs including smoking, your baby doesn't want to have to go through the problems you will press upon them. Let them have a fair chance at living.

Here are some photos of fetal alcohol syndrome....