| Fetal alcohol syndrome is the manifestation of specific | | | | should also refrain from drinking. Multiple birth defects |
| growth, mental, and physical birth defects associated | | | | associated with "classical" fetal alcohol syndrome are |
| with the mother's high levels of alcohol use during | | | | more commonly associated with heavy alcohol use or |
| pregnancy. Fetal alcohol exposure is the leading known | | | | alcoholism. |
| cause of mental retardation in the Western world. If | | | | Several conditions or characteristics may modify risk |
| you drink during pregnancy, you place your baby at | | | | for FAS among women who consume sufficient |
| risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. The defects that are | | | | quantities of alcohol in pregnancy. Traditional behavioral |
| part of fetal alcohol syndrome are irreversible and can | | | | interventions are predicated on learning theory, which is |
| include serious physical, mental and behavioral | | | | the basis for many parenting and professional |
| problems, though they vary from one child to another. | | | | strategies and interventions. Abstinence from alcohol |
| As many as 40,000 babies are born with some type | | | | during pregnancy absolutely prevents fetal alcohol |
| of alcohol-related damage each year in the United | | | | syndrome. Active women who drink heavily or are |
| States. Fetal alcohol syndrome affects an estimated | | | | alcoholics should use highly effective contraceptive |
| one to two out of every 1,000 births in the United | | | | measures. Stop drinking alcohol altogether if you're |
| States. | | | | planning to become pregnant. Fetal alcohol syndrome |
| Consumption of alcohol by a pregnant woman may be | | | | is completely preventable in children whose mothers |
| the first indicator of potential fetal alcohol syndrome. | | | | don't drink during pregnancy. |
| FAS is a group of problems that can include birth | | | | Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - Prevention and Treatment |
| defects ,abnormal facial features ,growth problems | | | | Tips |
| ,problems with the central nervous system ,trouble | | | | 1. Avoid Alcohol during pregnancy. |
| remembering and/or learning vision or hearing problems | | | | 2. Use highly effective contraceptive measures. |
| and Behavior problems. The severity of signs and | | | | 3. Traditional behavioral interventions are predicated on |
| symptoms varies, with some children experiencing | | | | learning theory. |
| them to a far greater degree than others. Women | | | | 4. Pregnancy can be an opportunity to address alcohol |
| who are active and do not use effective birth control | | | | abuse openly. |