Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Pictures

Drinking alcoholic beverage during pregnancy can cause harm to the baby inside the womb. Developmental disabilities and birth defects. Fetal alcoholic syndrome (FAS) causes problems in vision, hearing, attention span, memory, and cognition.

Any amount of alcohol intake during pregnancy can be extremely harmful to the developing fetus. In fact, it could possibly lead to miscarriage. Once you drink alcohol, it can easily be passed through the placenta and to the baby.

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol on the first trimester, it could possibly lead to major birth defects. Drinking alcohol beverages later in pregnancy could lead to poor growth and if worst, brain damage. To be safe, a pregnant woman should not drink any forms and amounts of alcohol. ^{(1, 2, 3, and 4)}

picture 1: An image of a pregnant woman who smokes and drink alcohol.

image source: www.science20.com

picture 2: Images of babies born from alcoholic mother.

photo source: d.ibtimes.co.uk

picture 3: One of the pictures of kids with fetal alcohol syndrome.

image source: i.pinimg.com

picture 4: A comical presentation showing how drinking during pregnancy can affect the baby inside the mother’s womb.

photo source: lng2dthf2c-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com

 

picture 5: A fragile newborn born by a woman who drinks alcohol while pregnant.

image source: cdn.cnn.com

Behavioral characteristics and clinical manifestations

• The baby has a small eye opening, smooth philtrum, and a thin upper lip.
• The baby has a low birth weight.
• The head is small.
• The baby may have birth defects, especially visual problems hearing loss, and kidney problems. Heart and bone problems are also possible.
• There is a possibility of seizure disorders.
• There may be some sort of developmental delay.
• The baby can be jittery or fussy. Some babies have trouble sleeping.
• Some FAS patients have poor fine motor skills and poor social skills.
• They have learning difficulties such as poor memory, poor problem-solving skills, and difficulty in school, especially in math. ⁽⁴⁾
• There is a possibility that the child will have behavioural problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), poor attention and concentration, impulsiveness, anxiety, and stubbornness. ⁽⁵⁾

Diagnosis

Fetal alcohol syndrome is diagnosed based on the physical features of the patient, especially if the mother admits drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. If the child is suspected to have fetal alcohol syndrome, he/she should see a developmental paediatrician or another specialist who can correctly confirm the diagnosis. ^{(5, 6)}

Treatment for Fetal alcohol syndrome

picture 6: Art therapy of a child with fetal alcohol syndrome.

photo source: www.dailyherald.com

picture 7: A therapy session of a child with fetal alcohol syndrome.

image source: recoveralaska.org

Unfortunately, there is no cure for fetal alcohol syndrome. What can only be done is to help improve the quality of life of the child. Children with FAS can benefit a lot from physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Behavioural problems can be addressed too by participating in classes that teach social skills. In some instances, it is necessary to have a counselling with a mental health professional. For behavioural problems like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sleep problem, and depression, the doctor might consider prescribing medicines.

Alternative treatment approach can also help such as yoga, creative art therapy, and herbal supplements. ^{(6, 7, and 8)}

Fetal alcohol syndrome later in life

Adults with fetal alcohol syndrome need support as they take the role of a mature adult individual. Many adults with fetal alcohol syndrome have employment problems, trouble with the law, and tend to have drug and alcohol-related problems. ^{(1, 2)}

picture 8: One of fetal alcohol syndrome pictures adults.

photo source: img.apmcdn.org

picture 9:An adult who was diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome at birth.

image source: i.pinimg.com

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_alcohol_spectrum_disorder
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/fetal-alcohol-syndrome
3. http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fas.html
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352901
5. https://www.webmd.com/baby/fetal-alcohol-syndrome
6. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/974016-overview
7. http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/
8. https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/fertility-and-pregnancy/foetal-alcohol-syndrome-fas/