Fetal alcohol syndrome Health Article

Definition

Fetal alcohol syndrome refers to growth, mental, and physical problems that may occur in a baby when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy.

Alternative Names

Alcohol in pregnancy; Drinking alcohol during pregnancy; Alcohol-related birth defects; Fetal alcohol effects

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Using or abusing alcohol during pregnancy can cause the same risks as using alcohol in general. However, it poses extra risks to the fetus. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it easily passes across the placenta to the fetus. Because of this, drinking alcohol can harm the baby's development.

A pregnant woman who drinks any amount of alcohol is at risk, since no "safe" level of alcohol use during pregnancy has been established. However, larger amounts appear to increase the problems. Binge drinking is more harmful than drinking small amounts of alcohol.

Timing of alcohol use during pregnancy is also important. Alcohol use appears to be the most harmful during the first 3 months of pregnancy However, drinking alcohol anytime during pregnancy can be harmful.

Symptoms

A baby with fetal alcohol syndrome may have the following symptoms:

• Poor growth while the baby is in the womb and after birth
• Decreased muscle tone and poor coordination
• Delayed development and significant functional problems in three or more major areas: thinking, speech, movement, or social skills (as expected for the baby's age)
• Heart defects such as ventricular septal defect (VSD) or atrial septal defect (ASD)
• Structural problems with the face, including:
  • Narrow, small eyes with large epicanthal folds
  • Small head
  • Small upper jaw
  • Smooth groove in upper lip
  • Smooth and thin upper lip

Signs and tests

A physical exam of the baby may reveal a heart murmur or other heart problems. As the baby grows, there may be signs of delayed mental development. There also may be structural problems of the face and skeleton.

Tests include:

• Blood alcohol level in pregnant women who show signs of being drunk (intoxicated)
• Brain imaging studies (CT or MRI) shows abnormal brain development
• Pregnancy ultrasound shows slowed growth of the fetus

See also: Toxicology screen