The most common debilitating effect of alcohol on a fetus is mental retardation.3 Some studies have shown that children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder have an IQ within the “normal” range, however. Even though intellectual disability isn’t needed to diagnose fetal alcohol syndrome, most babies effected by it do exhibit these impairments, along with facial abnormalities. These can include a smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, depressed nasal bridge, short nose, flat midface, and short palpebral fissures.2(p133), 3 Fetal alcohol syndrome can also cause problems with cognitive processes located in the frontal lobes.3 The frontal lobe is responsible for decision-making, especially when pertaining to goals, and also helps define an individual’s personality.8 This can lead to a vast array of problems, especially later on in life.
…show more content…
However, many times mothers drink in their first few weeks of pregnancy when she does not even know she is pregnant. If this is the case, it can be very unfortunate that fetal alcohol syndrome occurs, but one of the best pieces of advice to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome is for the mother to adapt to healthy lifestyles even before she is pregnant. When a woman is attempting to get pregnant, it is best for her to stop drinking while trying just for preventative measures. In a study done in mice, however, it was found that alcohol consumption in a male prior to conception could also lead to abnormal development of organs or the brain in the fetus.13 This is lead to believe that alcohol could affect the genes in the sperm that lead to normal development in the fetus. Another preventative measure could simply be educating people on the effects alcohol can have on the fetus. When potential parents know the dangers of alcohol and what disabilities it could give to their baby, it could help decrease the amount of babies born with fetal alcohol
However, many times mothers drink in their first few weeks of pregnancy when she does not even know she is pregnant. If this is the case, it can be very unfortunate that fetal alcohol syndrome occurs, but one of the best pieces of advice to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome is for the mother to adapt to healthy lifestyles even before she is pregnant. When a woman is attempting to get pregnant, it is best for her to stop drinking while trying just for preventative measures. In a study done in mice, however, it was found that alcohol consumption in a male prior to conception could also lead to abnormal development of organs or the brain in the fetus.13 This is lead to believe that alcohol could affect the genes in the sperm that lead to normal development in the fetus. Another preventative measure could simply be educating people on the effects alcohol can have on the fetus. When potential parents know the dangers of alcohol and what disabilities it could give to their baby, it could help decrease the amount of babies born with fetal alcohol