1. Read me first
Click on baby for youtube link to “ Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Documentary.

2. Who shouldn’t drink? Pregnant and breastfeeding women
People at risk for certain cancers
People with family histories of alcohol abuse
Children and adolescents
People taking medications that can interact with alcohol
Those with health conditions such as liver problems or ulcers
Anyone requiring skill or coordination to perform a task
People who have a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

3. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Don’t let it happen to your baby.

4. What is it?
A COMBINATION OF IRREVERSIBLE BIRTH DEFECTS RESULTING FROM ALCOHOL USE BY THE MOTHER AND FATHER.

5. Criteria for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Growth retardation in weight, height and/or head circumference
Altered form and facial defects
mental retardation
These features may not be apparent at birth, but become more prominent as the infant develops

6. Major Effects of Alcohol by Trimester of Pregnancy
Most developmental destructions occurs here
Spontaneous Abortion
Increased Risk of
Decreased Fetal Growth
1st
2nd
3rd
Conception Birth

8. How old do you think this boy is?
FAS children are much smaller in size.
How old do you think this boy is? 15

10. FAS
NORMAL

11. OTHER PHYSICAL FINDINGS SEEN IN FAS
WEBBED FINGERS
GENITAL MALFORMATION
HEARING AND VISION LOSS
SLURRED MONOTONOUS SPEECH
Other findings include: cleft palate, small jaws, small brain, hip dislocation and othe joint abnormalities. In newborns there is a poor sucking reflex, poor sleep habits, irritability and the effects of alcohol withdrawal.

12. More physical abnormalities
Small head, eyes. Jaw and brain
cleft palate
hip and joint deformities

13. Problems associated with FAS and the Central Nervous System
Irritability in infancy
Altered muscle tone
Poor fine and gross motor skills
Hyperactivity and mental retardation

14. About one in five babies born with FAS die.

15. Almost half of the FAS babies have heart defects which may require surgery.

16. FAS is the leading causes of mental retardation in the US.
Average I.Q.: 67
Read at 4th grade level
The average I.Q. for persons with FAS is 67
Six-year old boy; Seattle

17. Primary Symptoms Behavior disorders Acting out Temper tantrums
Socially unacceptable behaviors
Trouble with problem solving

18. Fraternal Twins with FAS may not be affected in the same way.

19. What are other leading causes of mental retardation?
1. Downs Syndrome
2. Spina Bifida

20. How much Alcohol will cause FAS?
We don’t know. Any amount is considered too much.

21. Health advisories urge women who are planning pregnancy or are pregnant not to drink alcohol.

22. Alcohol-related birth defects last a lifetime.

23. FAS is 100% preventable
By avoiding alcohol consumption while pregnant or when considering pregnancy you can help to insure the development of a healthy baby.
Fathers who drink may fertilize an egg with a defective sperm resulting in a baby with similar birth defects.

24. If you were the owner of a restaurant, would you refuse a pregnant patron alcohol?
Would it matter if she were obviously drunk?