Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Analysis Essay Example

the term Partial FAS when individuals show facial abnormalities associated with FAS, along with evidence of growth deficiency or brain damage resulting from significant alcohol exposure during pregnancy. It is emphasized by Amy Nevitt that alcohol is a teratogenic drug causing birth defects. Increasing knowledge about the effects of alcohol can help prevent this debilitating condition earlier.

Lyn Weiner and Barbara A. Morse argue that ethanol has the potential to cause a wider range of metabolic and physiological disruptions in fetal development than any other substance among commonly consumed substances. The clinical and experimental literature provides increasing insight into the mechanisms responsible for the harmful effects of alcohol on fetal development at each stage of pregnancy.

It is important to note that continuous alcohol consumption throughout pregnancy is linked to more severe outcomes.Although heavy drinking cessation has demonstrated benefits, supportive therapy for at-risk women is essential. The prenatal setting plays a crucial role in preventing alcohol-related birth defects and shows promise in identifying and treating problem drinking among pregnant women to prevent such issues. Both experimental studies and clinical observations have established a correlation between maternal ethanol exposure and structural growth as well as behavioral defects. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is widely recognized as a risk factor for adverse outcomes, with the extent of damage depending on factors like frequency, quantity, and timing of alcohol intake. Approximately 16 percent of pregnant women expose their children to the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. Despite uncertainties about the safe level of alcohol intake for pregnant women (145), complete avoidance of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy is recommended. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) manifests through signs like low birth weight, small head

size, facial deformities including small eyes, flattened midface, widely spaced nose, narrow upper lip, and unusual ear placement. Children with FAS often experience mild to moderate mental retardation along with behavioral/cognitive problems. In severe cases, these defects may be accompanied by other systemic abnormalities.
When only some of these signs are present, it is known as fetal alcohol effects (FAE), according to an article by Rana Shaskin. Identifying FAE children for necessary assistance may occur later in life, potentially hindering treatment outcomes. FAS-related birth defects, such as damage to the central nervous system, growth deficiency, and physical abnormalities are emphasized. On average, babies with FAS weigh nearly three pounds less than the median birth weight in the United States. Additionally, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in premature birth, prenatal death, and neurological disorders in surviving children.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is linked to various abnormalities including skeletal system issues, heart health problems, liver function impairment kidney function dysfunction urinary system functioning neural tube development genital development tumors resulting from maternal alcohol use. Research shows that individuals with FAS usually have an IQ of 65 (ranging from 16 to 105). Alcohol severely impacts the central nervous system (CNS), as suggested by Weiner; this damage becomes more complicated if one or both parents are alcoholics. The most common indication of alcohol's impact on fetal development is slowed growth in weight, length, and head circumference during the prenatal period and childhood.As Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/FAE) children age, their difficulties continue to accumulate. According to Dorris (205), FAS students often lack motivation and exhibit a lack of drive or persistence in their school work. Shaskin notes that these

problems faced by FAS adolescents worsen over time, leading to school dropouts and an increased likelihood of behavioral issues (4). Individuals with FAS experience various learning disabilities such as difficulty generalizing information and connecting words with actions. They struggle to acquire new skills and remember recent lessons like knot tying (Nevitt 26-8). Their memory is inconsistent; they may recall events from a year ago but not the day before. Moreover, those with FAS have a rigid mindset and only comprehend concepts expressed in a specific manner. Once they learn something this way, it becomes challenging for them to grasp the concept in any other context. Those affected by FAS also face difficulties in predicting outcomes and may not anticipate the consequences of actions, such as knocking over a cup of juice. Additionally, they tend to repeat errors and struggle with differentiating between reality and fantasy, believing that events in movies are happening in real life. Identifying friends from strangers is another challenge for individuals with FAS as they may perceive someone as a friend after a brief encounter, which can be potentially dangerous (Nevitt 26-8).Caring for and understanding babies with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/FAE) can be highly demanding. Nevitt (21) emphasizes the unique challenges associated with FAS/FAE, such as lower thriving rates, poor reflexes, and lack of appetite. Feeding an FAS baby even a small amount of milk can be time-consuming. Individuals with FAS/FAE require constant supervision and firm guidance throughout their lives. Dorris (247) suggests that caretakers should provide a structured environment and promptly address any violations. Consistency is crucial, as clear and inflexible instructions yield the best results.

The need for extensive

supervision in individuals with FAS/FAE is evident; without it, life would be challenging and unfair for them. Tanner-Halverson explains that adults with FAS also need a structured environment and guidance due to their easily distracted nature and forgetfulness.

Currently, there is no known cure for FAS or FAE, making prevention through education about alcohol's harmful effects on babies essential in society's approach. The medical field plays a vital role in educating professionals who will diagnose and treat FAS/FAE babies.Educators nationwide are important targets for learning how to handle individuals with these conditions. It is crucial to educate children in elementary and high schools about the effects of alcohol on fetuses, especially given the rising rate of teen pregnancies. Successful interaction with FAS/FAE children depends on structure, consistency, variety, brevity, and persistence, as emphasized by Patricia Tanner-Halverson. Additionally, it is important to educate women at risk of having children with FAS or FAE about the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. By showing them the potential consequences their baby may face, we can effectively discourage alcohol use.

Combining education, intervention, and community support plays a vital role in mitigating FAS/FAE. Support groups for pregnant women struggling with alcoholism as well as for parents, foster parents, and caregivers of individuals with FAS or FAE offer invaluable assistance. The government has the power to significantly impact FAS/FAE individuals by increasing its efforts and support. One possible action would be requiring medical professionals to undergo specific hours of training on this subject. Educating the medical field in this area is crucial.

Allocating funds and providing grants for research and care of individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects also holds significant

importance (The Arc 2C).Further research is needed to determine if other medications can have similar effects (The Arc 2C). Early intervention during the first trimester is crucial in order to prevent harm to the fetus caused by alcohol and it provides the best chance of avoiding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects. It is important to inform the father about how alcohol can impact the baby so as to prevent these effects. If the father refrains from drinking during pregnancy, it can also make it easier for the pregnant woman to avoid drinking. Knowing about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects, the father can offer more support to his partner who is expecting a child. Fetal alcohol exposure has lifelong consequences that affect individuals from all racial and socio-economic backgrounds. These conditions result in permanent brain damage and birth defects like mental retardation and behavioral problems which cannot be reversed. However, through education and assistance, we can combat these effects by providing support and resources for women of childbearing age. In conclusion, pregnant women should abstain from consuming alcohol and there are available resources to help them quit if necessary.
Works Cited:
- Abel, Ernest L. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.Oredell, New Jersey: Medical Economics, 1990.
- British Columbia FAS Community Action Guide.British Columbia: 1997.
- Chasnoff, Ira J. Drugs, Alcohol,Pregnancy,and Parenting.Boston: Kluwer Academic, 1988The text discusses fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and its effects, with information sourced from various materials. These include a website called www.nofas.org dated May 26, 1998, a book titled "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome" by Amy Nevitt published in New York in 1996, a book titled "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effects" by Rana Shaskin from Vancouver in 1994, an article titled "Strategies

for parents and caregivers of FAS and FAE children" written by Patricia Tanner-Halverson in 1997 (found at the website www.nofas.org), and a progress report issued by the Department of Treasury in Washington in 1979 as part of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Public Awareness Campaign within the United States.