Fetal alcohol syndrome

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Simian crease

The face

Alcohol in pregnancy; Drinking alcohol during pregnancy

Pregnant women, or women trying to conceive, are encouraged to avoid drinking alcohol in any quantity. Pregnant alcoholic women should be involved in alcohol abuse rehabilitation programs, and monitored closely throughout pregnancy.

Support groups can benefit the pregnant woman by providing interaction with members who share common experiences and problems. For this condition, see alcoholism - support group.

For free information on how to stop drinking contact:

• The National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency at 1-800-NCA-CALL (622-2255)

Outcome for infants with fetal alcohol syndrome is variable depending on the extent of symptoms, but almost none are normal when it comes to brain development.

The problems of the infant and child with fetal alcohol syndrome are diverse and difficult to manage. Cardiac defects may necessitate surgery. There is no effective therapy for mental retardation.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy may result in:

• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Premature delivery
• A mentally retarded baby
• A baby who is small for gestational age
• A baby who may die in infancy
• A baby with a small head, defects, or malformations of the eyes, nose, or mouth
• A baby with malformation of the heart or other vital organs
• A baby with slow growth and poor coordination
• A restless, overactive baby that may later exhibit hyperactive behavior and learning disabilities

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are drinking alcohol regularly or heavily, and are finding it difficult to cut back or stop. Also, call if you are drinking alcohol in any quantity while pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

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.