Please take note of the updated Covid-19 information
19:45 31st May 2016 | Alcohol & Pregnancy
FASD Pregnancy Baby Deformation Defects Poor Coordination Behavioural Problems Alcohol Consumption Physical Examination Regular Routine
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is part of a group of conditions called Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) which can occur when a woman consumes alcohol during pregnancy. FAS is the most severe of these conditions and can result in deformation of the baby, low body weight, visual and hearing defects, poor coordination, learning difficulties and behavioural problems.
Essentially alcohol passes across the placenta from the mother to the developing foetus, which is unable to process it. Alcohol can prevent nutrients and oxygen from reaching the vital organs of the foetus and this may cause irreparable and often permanent damage. The risk of FAS depends on the amount, frequency and the period of the alcohol consumption. Consumption of alcohol at any time during pregnancy is harmful but studies show that it is most harmful during the first three months of pregnancy. If a woman knows she took alcohol during the first few weeks of her pregnancy when she is unaware of her condition, she is advised to consult her doctor as soon as possible.
Also if you think your child has FAS, you should speak to your doctor immediately. A physical examination of your baby may reveal a heart murmur or other heart problems. As the baby matures, there may be some other physical and behavioural signs that may confirm the diagnosis. FAS is incurable and treatment is focused towards alleviating the symptoms. This can include speech therapy to teach the child to speak, special schooling, and appropriate counselling for the child and the mother. Children with FAS benefit from a stable loving home with a regular routine, simple rules to follow and rewards for positive behaviour.
It is important to be aware that consumption of alcohol during pregnancy may have serious consequences on your baby. If you have a drinking problem and want to become pregnant, seek professional help before taking any steps in this direction. FAS is a worldwide problem. It is estimated to affect between two to five per cent of people in the United States and Western Europe. The incidence of FAS in Africa is estimated to be extremely high. Do not drink alcohol if you are pregnant and if you have a friend who does, urge her to stop immediately.
Register for our antenatal care classes at our Medical Centre and get more tips on how to protect you and your baby. Contact us today to find out more.
Email: enquiries@thebridgeclinic.com
Call: 01 631 0092 / Whatsapp: +234 (0)810 460 7791.
Visit: 66 Oduduwa Way, Ikeja GRA
Search by condition, treatment or keyword and conveniently browse our informative articles
Book an appointment online or search for a clinic close to you.
Book an Appointment
From the moment you arrive, we hope to make your visit to any of our facilities as comfortable as possible.
We are driven to always improve in everything we do, whether it is providing high quality service; behaving professionally and
respectfully; or striving to exceed international standards.
We value open communication, transparency and doing what is in the best interest for the patient and our medical colleagues, which
means offering the best services and support that we know how.
Refresh your knowledge and gain insights into the latest information in the field while earning a rock solid certificate of competency.