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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

FAS NORMAL

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.

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

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

About one in five babies born with FAS die.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alcohol-related birth defects last a lifetime.

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.

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