What are three developmental abnormalities with FAS?

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Three specific facial abnormalities: smooth philtrum (the area between nose and upper lip), thin upper lip, small palpebral fissures (the horizontal eye openings) Growth deficit (lower than average height, weight or both)

What happens if a baby is born with fetal alcohol syndrome?

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). It may include fetal death. Infants born with FAS have abnormalities of the face. They also have growth and central nervous system (CNS) problems. This includes learning and mental disabilities.

When is FAS most likely to occur?

Any drinking during pregnancy increases the odds of fetal alcohol syndrome, but the risk to the fetus is highest if a pregnant woman drinks during the second half of her first trimester of pregnancy, a new study finds.

Does FASD get worse with age?

What are the most common symptoms of FASD? Only a small percentage of affected individuals have the set of facial features—which includes small eye openings, thin upper lip, and flat philtrum (groove under nose)—and growth delays that are most associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Both can diminish with age.

What is the life expectancy of someone with fetal alcohol syndrome?

Depending on early diagnosis and support, life expectancies can increase; however, on average, people with FAS are estimated to live 34 years (95% CI: 31–37 years), which is around 42% of the life expectancies of their general population peers23.

How do you know if you have fetal alcohol syndrome?

Symptoms

1. Distinctive facial features, including small eyes, an exceptionally thin upper lip, a short, upturned nose, and a smooth skin surface between the nose and upper lip.
2. Deformities of joints, limbs and fingers.
3. Slow physical growth before and after birth.
4. Vision difficulties or hearing problems.

Does FASD shorten life expectancy?

Conclusion: The life expectancy of people with FAS is considerably lower than that of the general population. As the cause of FAS is known and preventable, more attention devoted to the prevention of FAS is urgently needed.

How do you know if someone has fetal alcohol syndrome?

To diagnose someone with FAS, the doctor must determine that they have abnormal facial features, slower than normal growth, and central nervous system problems. These nervous system problems could be physical or behavioral. They might present as hyperactivity, lack of coordination or focus, or learning disabilities.

What does FAS stand for in medical terms?

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)? Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a group of physical, mental, and neurobehavioral birth defects that result from the mother drinking alcohol during her pregnancy.

What is FASD symptoms?

Symptoms of FASD. The symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can include facial abnormalities, growth deficiencies, skeletal deformities, organ deformities, central nervous system handicaps and behavioral problems in later life.

When does Fetal Alcohol Syndrome ( FAS ) become apparent?

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a group of physical, mental, and neurobehavioral birth defects that result from the mother drinking alcohol during her pregnancy. Children with FAS may have many but not all of the following characteristics: The facial characteristics of FAS may be most apparent in a child who is between the ages of two and ten.

Can a person with FAS be diagnosed at birth?

Severe cases of FAS can be diagnosed at birth. The diagnosis is not based on a single symptom, and mild cases may be difficult to diagnose. Some FAS cases may be similar to other conditions that have some of the same characteristics, which can make diagnosis very difficult.