Alcohol Intake
The dangers of consuming alcohol while pregnant
Dangers of Alcohol Intake while Pregnant
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to various birth defects. A woman should stop drinking alcohol whether she is expecting to get pregnant or once she finds out she is expecting. There is no safe amount of alcohol to consume because the alcohol passes through the placenta which nourishes the baby during pregnancy. Being aware of the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy can prevent irreversible birth defects to the baby.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Excess and frequent consumption of alcohol, whether is be wine, beer or liquor can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. This leads to a a variety of physical, behavioral, and learning problems as well.
Physical Affects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
When exposed to alcohol, newborns may have low birth weight, including smaller head sizes. Throughout their lifetime it may be hard for them to gain weight and to grow in stature. Birth defects may include heart, bone and kidney problems. Vision and hearing loss may occur as well.
Neurological defects
Neurological defects can occur as well when a fetus is exposed to alcohol in utero. Poor balance and coordination can be problems and more serious problems such as seizures can occur as well.
Developmental Issues
Children affects with FASDs may not reach certain learning milestones at the age that they are supposed to. They may have behavioral problems as well including being fussy or jittery and may have a hard time sleeping.
Diagnosis and Treatment
FASDs are diagnosed based on a variety of symptoms. These include certain facial features, lack of growth and development and involvement of the brain. There is no treatment for FASDs, but there are ways to help support the child and their symptoms. This can include speech-language, occupational and physical therapy. Educational intervention within schools are available as well.
National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
This organization is about alcohol and human development. It is an advocate saying that there is no safe amount, no safe time, and no safe alcohol. It has a multitude of information and resources. It gives different news sources about the topic and has a variety of contacts that people can use
Works Cited:
-"Nutrients and Vitamins for pregnancy." American Pregnancy Association. N.p., 14 Dec. 2015. Web. 01 May 2017
-"Fetal Alcohol Syndrome." KidsHealth. ED. Mary L. Gavin. The Nemours Foundation, Aug. 2016. Web. 01 May 2017.
-National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2017