Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) describes a spectrum of permanent and often devastating birth-defect syndromes. It is caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) includes a range of features seen in some babies who were exposed to alcohol before birth.

There are a number of people in the world that arent trained in identifying alcohol related problems and because of that the children arent being diagnosed.

In a recent Western Australian study, only 22 per cent of women knew about FAS and about one-third thought it was safe to drink moderate amounts of alcohol during pregnancy.

Causes

There are number of causes of Fetal alcohol spectrum. Women over the age of 30 years who drink moderate to heavy amounts during pregnancy are more likely to have babies affected by FAS than younger women who drink the same amount. Bad alcohol consumption is higher in low socioeconomic groups. Also poor nutrition may be a factor.

While FAS seems to be related to the amount of alcohol consumed, not all babies are affected in the same way by alcohol. Not every baby exposed to alcohol in the uterus develops FAS; the reason for this is unknown. Researchers believe that some babies are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than others because of genetic differences.

Drugs taken during pregnancy (including tobacco, prescription drugs, illegal drugs and caffeine) may increase the effects of alcohol on the fetus.

Symptoms

Babies severely affected by FAS are at risk of dying before they are born. Current knowledge suggests there is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy but there is no convincing evidence that a small intake is harmful.

At birth, FAS signs can include:

Low birth weight

Smaller than normal head circumference (microcephaly)

Small eyes

Flattened face

Flattened bridge of the nose

Underdeveloped vertical ridges that run from the nose to the upper lip (philtrum)

Thinner than normal upper lip

Small lower jaw (micrognathia)

Heart defects

Joint contractures (uncontrolled tightening of elbows, knees etc).

Smaller birth weight or smaller head circumference alone may represent foetal alcohol effects

Treatment

Apart from physical abnormalities, children with FAS can also have neurological, behavioural, and learning problems. Programmes are currently being developed to identify and assist high-risk mothers and to diagnose children with FAS as early as possible. Although many of these children experience learning problems, stimulation and management programmes are being developed to assist parents and caregivers. Should a parent/caregiver or teacher be worried about a child, the child can be taken to the nearest clinic from where the child will be referred to the most appropriate service for further assessment.