Why Pregnancy and Alcohol Never Mix

Noah is nine years old and in the second grade. He was assumed to be in the third grade this year, but he has had regular difficulties learning in school. His attention period is not what other kids' are, and in fact, he suffers from little mental retardation. In addition, inferior hearing also hinders his performance at school. And it could all have been cured if his mother had not been drinking -- and drunk heavily -- while pregnant with her child.

There's a reason that doctors advice pregnant women not to drink alcohol during their pregnancy. There are many known neurological, physical and mental issues that can cause if you drink alcohol during this period. These disorders all fall in the category known as FASD: "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders." The better known of these issues are Fetal Alcohol Effects (or "FAE") and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (or "FAS"). Within the category of Fetal Alcohol Effects are two sub-categories: Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (or "ARND") and Alcohol Related Birth disorders (or "ARBD").

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a calamitous condition, since it is totally cureable. FAS causes mental retardation in the child, spoil the appearance in the skeleton and some parts, developmentdeficiencies,poor motor skills, problems with the nervous system, understanding problems, deficiencies in the attention span and with speech, listening and problem-solving. It can also cause death.

FAS also known to cause certain facial features in the child. Some of these include an upturned or short nose, smaller than normal eyes, thin lips, and flat cheeks. While these characteristics will go away over time, most of the other problems will remain throughout the child's lifetime.

As described, Fetal Alcohol Effects come in two major categories. These are Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder and Alcohol Related Birth Defects. The first category (ARND) refers to conduct and mental problems such as poor output at school, learning abnormalities, insufficient impulse control, memory problems, and problems with perceive and attention span. The second category (or ARBD) refers to skeletal malformations, and also deformities in major organs (the kidneys, heart, auditory system, or even the bones).

While related, Fetal Alcohol Effects are different from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. FAE results from a acceptable amount of drinking during the pregnancy. FAS results from an excessive amount of drinking alcohol during the pregnancy, including drinking on a daily basis or binge drinking. Regardless of whether it's FAS or FAE, the results are still lifelong, permanent, and tragic. The reason is that it is not safe to drink any alcohol while pregnant--period. However, the more you drink, the more you put your baby at danger.

So how do the mom-to-be prevent Fetal Alcohol Effects and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? It's quite obvious: She must stay away from all alcohol while pregnant. If she does this, there is no chance -- zero -- of having a child with either FAE or FAS.

To find out more about this important subject, call (800) 666-6327. That's the number for the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and they would be delighted to send you information.

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Phillip is the authorof pregnancyrx.com, a website full of information on Child Birth and Alcohol and Pregnancy.

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