Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: The Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Pregnancy

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: The Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Pregnancy

A woman’s decision to drink alcohol during pregnancy can have a huge impact on her child’s development. The exposure to alcohol can cause devastating complications. These complications may range from physical abnormalities to developmental disabilities. The effects and symptoms associated with prenatal alcohol exposure is defined as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

The condition was first introduced in 1968 and in 1973 specific characteristics were recognized (Carr, Agnihotri, and Keightley, 2010). Under the FASD category are the following conditions: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS), Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND), and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD). Of the conditions listed, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is considered the most involved (“Facts about FASDs”, 2015). Drinking alcohol during pregnancy has been a major medical concern for years. Understanding the impact that alcohol consumption during pregnancy may have on the fetus will help people better comprehend the risk factors, symptoms, and causes of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. In addition, the information can help increase its prevention.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the state of Pennsylvania women between the ages of 18 and 44 (childbearing age) consume alcohol at a rate of 52.3% and binge drink at a rate of 17.6%. Because pregnancy may be undetected for the first few weeks, it is concerning that women may not realize they are engaging in prenatal alcohol exposure. In agreement with CDC, the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS), states that FAS is the number one cause for birth defects in the United States when compared to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Down syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy. The prevalence is 2% to 5% of the population, mainly in school children. In 2014 approximately 40,000 infants were affected by disorders related to alcohol exposure. There is no doubt that consuming alcohol during pregnancy is causing serious health problems for children worldwide.

Children diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have symptoms that are permanent and life changing. During pregnancy a fetus receives its nutrients through the placenta, an organ located in the uterus which nourishes and maintains the fetus through the umbilical cord. All things consumed by the mother are passed on to the fetus therefore, drinking alcohol during pregnancy directly exposes the fetus to alcohol. Mother and fetus result in having the same levels of alcohol present in their system. However, due to the immature development of the fetus, it takes the alcohol longer to digest hence, the increased exposure (Mesquita, 2010).

The fetus’ increased exposure to alcohol during pregnancy may cause gestational symptoms. Primary signs are recognized as low birth