Newark, NJ--Maternal alcohol use is the leading known cause of mental retardation and is a preventable cause of birth defects, reports The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Children exposed to alcohol in utero are at risk for growth deficiencies, facial deformities, central nervous impairment, behavioral disorders, and impaired intellectual development.
Consumption of alcohol during pregnancy can result in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or other developmental challenges such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in children. A baby born with FAS has mental and physical disabilities, some of which may be severe and may include mental retardation.
“Fetal alcohol syndrome is a mixture of physical, mental, and behavioral problems,” says Vinod Goyal, MD, who is Medical Director of The Children’s Hospital Assessment and Treatment Team (CHATT), at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. “This condition is the severe end of a spectrum of effects that can occur when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy.”
FAS is characterized by abnormal facial features and a small head, growth deficiencies (short height or low weight), and central nervous system (CNS) problems. Children with FAS have problems with learning, memory, attention span, vision, vision, hearing, communication, or a combination of these. These problems often lead to difficulties in school and in relationships. FAS is a permanent condition. It affects every aspect of an individual’s life, Dr. Goyal relates.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) describes the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Center for Disease Control (CDC) studies show FAS rates ranging from 0.2 to 1.5 per 1,000 live births in the United States. FASDs are believed to occur three times as often as FAS.
Alcohol and the Unborn
Even a few drinks once in a while can put your baby at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome.
According to ACOG, women should avoid alcohol entirely while pregnant or trying to conceive because damage can occur in the earliest weeks of pregnancy, even before a woman knows that she is pregnant.
Alcohol quickly reaches the fetus through the bloodstream, crossing the placenta to the baby. In adults, the liver breaks down alcohol, but a baby's liver is not able to break down alcohol. Alcohol consumption can result in fetal heart defects, affect the brain, and lead to problems with memory, learning, speech, and behavior.
It may be hard to stop drinking. Talk to your physician about your drinking habits and to get you more information about counseling or treatment, if needed.
For FAS Treatment
Infants, children and adolescents who are experiencing developmental delays can find comprehensive evaluation and treatment through The Children’s Hospital Assessment and Treatment Team (CHATT), at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. The medical staff offers diagnosis and treatment in its Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Diagnostic Center. The team consists of physicians, nurses, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, social workers and nutritionists.
Vinod Goyal, M.D. and Saidi Clemente, M.D., two experienced developmental pediatricians provide evaluation and treatment for patients. Dr. Goyal has been a consultant for developmental and behavioral pediatrics to several area hospitals, early intervention programs and school systems. Dr. Clemente is board-certified in pediatrics and neurodevelopmental disabilities.
CHATT is located at 201 Lyons Avenue, The Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Please call for your appointment at (973) 926-4544.
DATE: May 12 , 2008
CONTACT: Beth Salamon, Public Relations (973) 322-4926
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