Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a name that is given to a set of birth defects that are initiated through the use of alcohol during pregancy. Among the birth defects that are associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome include Mental retardation, impaired growth, facial malformations, smaller than normal head size, misshapen eyes and flattened nose and face are indicators of fetal alcohol syndrome. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has also been known to effect and disrupt organ formation and growth. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has been linked to defects in the heart, kidney, muscles, joints and sex organs.

Children born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome occur most often when women average five or more drinks a day. When a person drinks, the alcohol flows through the bloodstream to all parts of the body. In a preganant woman it filters across the placenta and enters the bloodstream of the fetus. This is where the problems occur for the child, because the fetal liver is only partially developed it is not able to metabolize and thus eliminate the alcohol. Although drinking is harmful in all three stages of a pregnancy, the critical period is during the first three months of pregnancy. During the first three months of pregnancy is when the child's brain, central nervous system, and other internal organ systems begin to develop. Three drinks a day may slow growth of the child. Three drinks a day may submit the child to a subnormal IQ, and just three drinks a day may lead to a stillbirth or miscarriage

Although alcohol is a drug of choice for many individuals there are other drugs that may cause damage to the child, including Crack, cocaine, and heroin. So how important is your child?