CHECK-UP:There is no safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy, writes MARION KERR
MY COUSIN had a baby early last year. Although all appeared well at the time the child has now been diagnosed with something called foetal alcohol syndrome. What is this?
Foetal alcohol syndrome which is also known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) refers to growth, intellectual and physical problems that can occur in a baby as a result of its mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
While drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause the same risks for the mother as using it while not pregnant, it poses extra risks to the foetus.
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it passes easily across the placenta from the mother to the foetus.
As a result, it can cause harm to the baby’s development.
Surely a few drinks during pregnancy cannot cause that much harm?
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.
In particular, binge drinking is more harmful than drinking small amounts of alcohol.
Timing of alcohol use during pregnancy is also important with alcohol use thought to be most harmful during the first three months of pregnancy.
However, drinking alcohol any time during pregnancy can cause problems and may result in miscarriage or stillbirth or premature delivery.
Women who are pregnant or who are trying to get pregnant should avoid drinking any alcohol.
Pregnant women with alcoholism should join an alcohol abuse rehabilitation programme and be monitored closely by their healthcare team throughout pregnancy.
How can you tell if a baby has foetal alcohol syndrome?
A baby with foetal alcohol syndrome can present with a wide range of problems.
These can include poor growth while the baby is in the womb and after birth, decreased muscle tone and poor co-ordination.
Delayed development and significant functional problems in thinking, speech, movement, or behaviour problems may also be noted.
Heart defects or structural problems with the face can also occur. The prognosis for infants with foetal alcohol syndrome will vary depending on the extent of symptoms.
Infants and children may have different problems, which can prove challenging for their carers to manage.
Children do best if diagnosed early and referred to appropriate healthcare workers and support services who can work with their families on educational and behavioural strategies that best fit the individual child’s needs.
For more information and support contact www.fasd.ie