1. FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME
Innocent Babies Affected by Drugs & Alcohol

2. How does alcohol use affect an unborn child?
Pregnancy & Alcohol
How does alcohol use affect an unborn child? 2

3. What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
FAS: severe birth defects present in babies born to mothers who drink alcohol during their pregnancy; leading cause of mental retardation
When a mother consumes alcohol, it is absorbed into the bloodstream at the same rate for the infant as it is absorbed for the mother.
Ethanol has a toxic effect on the fetus causing physiological and central nervous system damage.
FAS is the leading cause of mental retardation.

4. FAS 3 out of 1,000 births birth defects caused by alcohol!
Most damaged is done during the 1st trimester

5. Characteristics of FAS: Mental retardation Birth defects
Abnormal facial features
Growth problems
Trouble remembering
Trouble learning
Vision or hearing problems
Behavior problems
Flat mid face, smooth philtrum, underdeveloped jaw, thin upper lip, small head

6. Facial Characteristics of FAS

7. Signs of FAS Heart, Liver, and Kidney defects
Hard to care for, ill a lot, slow physical and mental development.
Small head size, hyperactivity, short stature, mental retardation
1 in 5 women drink alcohol during pregnancy – CDC
Characteristics will last a lifetime.
FAS