Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Treatment

You must have heard about fetal alcohol syndrome. This is a condition that causes mental as well as physical defects in babies of mother's who drink alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol abuse by pregnant mothers causes grave and lifetime defects in the child. There is no safe limit for alcohol consumption during pregnancy. There is no permanent fetal alcohol syndrome treatment. This is because there are many different problems involved. The treatment for fetal alcohol syndrome varies according to each individual case and severity of the case. Thus, treating fetal alcohol syndrome is not so easy.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Causes
Wondering what is fetal alcohol syndrome? It is a condition caused by consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol reaches the fetus through the placenta. As compared to adults, it is metabolized rather slowly in a fetus. The level of alcohol in the fetal body increases and this interferes with the transportation of oxygen and nutrition. This abnormality causes a number of defects of the developing fetal organs, brain, tissues as well as nervous system. Thus, the baby is born with a number of defects and ailments like brain damage, kidney problems, bone defects, heart diseases, etc.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Symptoms
Fetal alcohol syndrome is not just one disorder, but a cluster of defects that affect the fetus. There are many fetal alcohol syndrome symptoms. Mental retardation is one of the main characteristics of fetal alcohol syndrome. A few of the fetal alcohol syndrome symptoms are as follows:

• Facial abnormalities like low nasal bridge, small head circumference, undefined groove between nose and upper lip, etc.
• Developmental characteristics like small stature, small head, dental problems, limb and joint deformities, problem with hearing and eyesight
• Brain damage leading to learning disabilities, hyperactivity, mental retardation, poor judgment and logical skills
• Poor social skills
• Lack of imagination
• Poor communication skills
• Poor memory

Tests for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
When one informs the doctor about consumption of alcohol during pregnancy, it will help the doctor in diagnosing the effects of alcohol that may have occurred in the fetus. Once the baby is born, the pediatrician will assess the child's growth, vision, hearing, heart diseases, growth abnormalities, facial features, motor skills, language skills, behavior problems, cognitive abilities, etc.

How to Treat Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
As I have already mentioned, there is no permanent treatment for children with fetal alcohol syndrome. This is an incurable condition. Fetal alcohol syndrome treatment available aims at correction of the defects. This includes helping the child with hearing aids in case of hearing problems, correcting vision, occupational therapy, etc. Early diagnosis will help in seeking early intervention. Children with learning disabilities and poor social skills need special care. Social service workers help families and these children cope up with their problems. Community and family support is very important for these children.

Treating fetal alcohol syndrome is not very easy. The children affected by this condition are permanently disabled. Women should refrain from drinking any amount of beer, wine, whiskey, champagne, or drinks containing alcohol. It is a matter of life of an unborn child. Drinking alcohol will cause the child to suffer for life. Do not take away the chance to live a fuller, healthier and normal life from your own child. Stop drinking alcohol when pregnant. If you have further queries, speak to your doctor for more details.