Fetal alcohol syndrome

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Simian crease

The face

Alcohol in pregnancy; Drinking alcohol during pregnancy

Consumption of alcohol by a pregnant woman may be the first indicator of potential fetal alcohol syndrome.

Others indicators may be:

• Slow intrauterine and neonatal growth with occasional diagnosis of failure to thrive
• Delayed development and evidence of mild to moderate mental retardation (IQ range from 50 to 85 with reported average in the mid 60s)
• Facial abnormalities, skeletal limb abnormalities, tremors (in the newborn infant), agitation and crying (in the newborn infant)

Examination of the baby may show a heart murmur or other evidence of cardiac anomalies. As the baby grows, there may be evidence of delayed mental development. Facial and skeletal abnormalities may also be present.

Tests include:

• Pregnancy ultrasound , which can demonstrate the presence of intrauterine growth retardation
• Infant ECG and echocardiogram, which can detect heart abnormalities
• Blood alcohol level in pregnant women who exhibit signs of intoxication (see toxicology screen)

Review Date: 10/27/2005
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.