Alcohol And Pregnancy Essay Example

harm to the fetus, from mild to severe, due to the mother's alcohol use during pregnancy (MSN Encarta, 2008).

According to MSN Encarta (2008), Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) impacts around 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 live births globally and is the primary cause of mental retardation in Western nations. Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) is a comparable condition with milder symptoms.

What is the impact of alcohol on the fetus?

According to MSN Encarta (2008), the placenta, responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, is adversely affected by alcohol. This leads to a reduction in blood flow to the fetus and subsequently causes significant deficiencies in nutrition and oxygen.

Children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) have stunted growth and low birth weight. They also have distinctive facial features, such as a flattened midface, short eye openings, a thin upper lip, and an elongated space between the nose and mouth.

Children who have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) commonly encounter a range of difficulties and conditions resulting from alcohol-induced harm to their central nervous system. These challenges can encompass learning disabilities, mental retardation, diminished head size, seizures, and developmental disabilities. Moreover, they may also display behavioral problems and suffer from physical health issues like heart defects, hearing loss, and impaired vision (MSN Encarta, 2008).

In conclusion,

Taking care of herself is crucial for every pregnant woman as the health of a newborn baby depends entirely on its mother. One important measure that expectant mothers should take is to avoid drinking alcohol, as it can be harmful to the development of the fetus.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy

can cause detrimental effects on the developing fetus, as it denies them vital oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which causes various health problems in children whose mothers consumed alcohol while pregnant. These problems encompass long-term disabilities such as mental retardation, as well as impairments in vision and hearing.