Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Drunk driving is not the only alcohol-related event that can damage and even claim innocent lives. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or FAS, is a disorder that afflicts about 1-2 live births out of 1,000 live births each year in the United States. Some surveys report that over 50% of pregnant women between the ages of 15 and 44 admit to drinking during their pregnancies, possibly harming the baby inside of them.
Cause of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Obviously, the major cause of FAS is the consumption of alcohol by a pregnant mother. Due to the close symbiosis between a mother and her unborn child, it is not only the alcohol itself, but also the alcoholic byproducts that can damage the child. As the mom’s body breaks down the alcohol, the fetus’ brain can be severely affected. This can include a decrease in neurons, neuronal displacement, and an abnormally formed brain.
Effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Because there is a huge range of detrimental effects caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy, there is a wide span of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) symptoms. FAS is the most severe, and can cause any of the following:
- Diminished size of the child
- Small head, caused by little brain growth, that can be seen in facial abnormalities
- Anomalies in performance, starting with irascibility in infants and becoming hyperactivity as the child gets older
- Impaired intelligence, with the average IQ on par with mild mental retardation
- Hole in the heart
- Death
Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
FAS can be completely prevented if the mother does not drink alcohol while pregnant. This is an effort that is made by a pregnant woman, but fathers can help by reminding the mom of her responsibility and aiding her in avoiding situations where she might consume alcohol.
Contact Us
If you would like more information on fetal alcohol syndrome or any other birth injuries, please contact the Philadelphia birth injury lawyers at the offices of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 today.