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Alternative Names Return to top
Alcohol in pregnancy; Drinking alcohol during pregnancyDefinition Return to top
Fetal alcohol syndrome refers to growth, mental, and physical problems that may occur in a baby when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy.
Causes Return to top
Using or abusing alcohol during pregnancy can cause the same risks as using alcohol in general. However, it poses extra risks to the fetus. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it easily passes across the placenta to the fetus. Because of this, drinking alcohol can harm the baby's development.
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. Many birth defects associated with fetal alcohol syndrome are commonly caused by heavy alcohol use or alcoholism.
Timing of alcohol use during pregnancy is also important. Alcohol use appears to be the most harmful during the first three months of pregnancy.
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome may include:
Exams and Tests Return to top
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may be the first sign of possible fetal alcohol syndrome.
An exam of the baby may show a heart murmur or other signs of heart problems. As the baby grows, there may be signs of delayed mental development. There also may be structural problems of the face and skeleton.
Tests include:
See also: Toxicology screen
Treatment Return to top
Women who are pregnant or who are trying to get pregnant should avoid drinking any amount of alcohol. Pregnant women with alcoholism should join an alcohol abuse rehabilitation program and be checked closely by a health care provider throughout pregnancy.
Support Groups Return to top
The following organizations may offer assistance:
See also: Alcoholism - support group
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
The outcome for infants with fetal alcohol syndrome varies depending on the extent of symptoms, but almost none have normal brain development.
Infants and children with fetal alcohol syndrome have many different problems, which can be difficult to manage. Heart defects may require surgery. There is no effective therapy for mental retardation.
Possible Complications Return to top
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may result in:
Complications seen in the infant may include:
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are drinking alcohol regularly or heavily, and are finding it difficult to cut back or stop. Also, call if you are drinking alcohol in any amount while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Prevention Return to top
Avoiding alcohol during pregnancy prevents fetal alcohol syndrome. Counseling can help prevent recurrence in women who have already had a child with fetal alcohol syndrome.
Sexually active women who drink heavily should use birth control and control their drinking behaviors, or stop using alcohol before trying to conceive.
References Return to top
American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Substance Abuse and Committee on Children with Disabilities. Fetal alcohol syndrome and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders. Pediatrics. August 2000;106:358-361. Update Date: 8/15/2007 Updated by: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |