04/08/2024
Why Pregnant Mothers Must Avoid Drinking Alcohol
✅Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that can occur in a baby when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy. It can cause brain damage, growth problems, and distinctive facial features in the child.
The diagnosis is based on a combination of prenatal alcohol exposure, distinctive facial features, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system abnormalities. These lead to learning disabilities, memory problems, and also abnormal behavior.
✅ Diagnostic Tests:
1. Maternal history of alcohol consumption during pregnancy
2. Physical examination to assess for characteristic facial features and growth deficiencies
3. Neurological evaluation to identify central nervous system abnormalities
4. Psychological and developmental assessments to evaluate cognitive and behavioral abnormalities.
✅ Clinical Features:
1. Facial abnormalities: These may include a smooth philtrum (the groove between the nose and upper lip), thin upper lip, and small eye openings.
2. Growth deficiencies: Infants with FAS may have low birth weight, poor growth, and small head circumference.
3. Central nervous system abnormalities: These may include intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and behavioral problems.
4. Other physical abnormalities: These may include heart defects, hearing and vision problems, and joint abnormalities.
✅ Treatment (THERE IS NO CONFIRMED CURE).
1. Early intervention: Children with FAS benefit from early diagnosis and intervention. This may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and special education programs.
2. Medical management: Specific medical treatments depend on the individual's symptoms and associated conditions. For example, heart defects may require surgical intervention, and hearing or vision problems may require appropriate interventions.
3. Supportive care: Providing a nurturing and supportive environment is crucial for children with FAS. This may involve counseling and support services for both the child and their family.
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