Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a severe type of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. This condition can occur when a developing fetus is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.

When your baby is born, they may have:

• Distinctive facial features
• Growth and developmental delays
• Learning and behavioral issues

FAS is a lifelong condition that can’t be cured, but it can be treated. Your child can have problems with how they think and behave throughout their life. They may also have mental and emotional challenges that can impact their social life, education and work.

There’s no safe amount or type of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy. But stopping at any point during pregnancy can help a developing fetus.

What does fetal alcohol syndrome look like?

You may see noticeable differences in the face of a person with fetal alcohol syndrome. They’ll have at least two of the following facial features:

• Small width of eye opening (from inner to outer corners)
• Smooth ridge between nose and upper lip
• Thin upper lip

Babies with FAS are typically smaller than average. Their heads may be small for their bodies. They may also have weak, floppy muscles.

Fetal alcohol syndrome symptoms

In addition to unique facial features, babies may have the following FAS symptoms:

• Fussiness
• Noise sensitivity
• Sleep and feeding difficulties
• Vision or hearing problems

Early childhood and beyond

Children, teenagers and adults may develop the following signs of FAS over time:

• Delayed speech and language development
• Difficulty concentrating and short attention span
• Trouble telling the difference between reality and fantasy
• Hyperactivity
• Learning disabilities
• Low IQ
• Trouble with coordination
• Problems with reasoning and judgment skills
• Issues with school performance
• Difficulty with short-term memory
• Social difficulties
• Sensory processing problems

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) causes

Fetal alcohol syndrome happens when a fetus is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.

Alcohol can interfere with the normal development of the fetus, particularly the brain and central nervous system. Alcohol is dangerous during pregnancy because it passes from the bloodstream to the fetus through the umbilical cord. The fetus doesn’t break down alcohol the same way adults do. It takes much longer to get rid of the alcohol.

Also, alcohol that the fetus gets rid of ends up in the amniotic fluid. The fetus swallows the amniotic fluid and absorbs the alcohol again. This leads to a cycle that can continue to harm the fetus.

How much drinking causes fetal alcohol syndrome?

There’s no safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy. Damage from alcohol can happen at any point during pregnancy. The beginning of fetal development is the most important for the whole body. But organs like the brain continue to develop throughout pregnancy. Alcohol use at any point during pregnancy can be harmful.

Can you drink wine while pregnant?

No type of alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy. This includes wine, beer, hard seltzers and hard liquor. Drinking wine while pregnant is no safer than any other kind of alcohol.

How doctors diagnose fetal alcohol syndrome

In some cases, your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose your baby at birth. They’ll see signs of FAS, like low birth weight and specific facial features. But it can be difficult to diagnose fetal alcohol syndrome. There isn’t a blood test for it.

You may not feel comfortable sharing your history of alcohol use. But if you drank any amount of alcohol at any point during pregnancy, now’s the time to share it with your provider. Early diagnosis can lead to earlier treatment and a better outcome. Your baby’s pediatrician needs to know so they can help you plan for your child’s future.

Sometimes, your child may not receive a diagnosis until they start showing signs of learning issues. They may have emotional and behavioral problems. And you may not notice these signs until they’re school-age.

Is there a cure for fetal alcohol syndrome?

There’s no cure for FAS. Children born with the condition can experience symptoms and complications throughout their lives. Treatment can help you manage your child’s symptoms, but FAS is a lifelong condition.

How is FAS treated?

Treatment for FAS varies based on your child’s symptoms. Early treatment of some symptoms can lessen their severity and improve your child’s development.

Some children may benefit from early intervention services. These are different kinds of therapies and other assistance that can help your child get the care they need. Examples of early intervention services include:

• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Physical therapy

Your child’s provider may also recommend parental training. Parental training (caregiver training) can help you cope with behavioral, educational and social challenges. You might learn different routines and rules that can help your child adapt to different situations. Having a stable and supportive home can help children with FAS.

What are the behaviors of adults with fetal alcohol syndrome?

As your child reaches adulthood, FAS may impact them in new ways. Adults with fetal alcohol syndrome are at higher risk of:

• Mental health problems
• Substance use issues
• Trouble in school or with the law
• Issues with acting out in sexually inappropriate ways
• Difficulty living on their own
• Unemployment or difficulty keeping a job

Receiving treatment as soon as possible in childhood can help decrease the likelihood of developing issues later in life.

Can FAS be prevented?

The only way to prevent FAS is to avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Also, you shouldn’t drink alcohol if you’re sexually active and not using effective birth control. It can take four to six weeks before you know you’re pregnant. During early pregnancy, the fetus is already developing rapidly. Alcohol consumption could harm the developing fetus at any time during pregnancy — especially early on in the development process.

If you’ve already consumed alcohol during pregnancy, it’s never too late to stop. Brain growth in the fetus takes place throughout pregnancy. So, stopping alcohol consumption as soon as possible is always best.

After delivery, you should continue to pay attention to when you drink alcohol if you’re breastfeeding. Alcohol can pass through your breast milk to your baby. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about the best practices for alcohol use during breastfeeding.