A congenital disorder resulting from alcohol teratogenicity (i.e., the production, actual or potential, of pathological changes in the fetus, most frequently in the form of abnormal development of one or more organ systems; commonly referred to as birth defects), with the following possible dysmorphic categories: central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, birth deficiencies (such as low birth weight), facial abnormalities, and variable major and minor malformations. A safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy has not been established, and it is generally advisable for women to refrain from alcohol use during pregnancy.
Abnormalities present in neonates resulting from the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Damage caused to the fetus by alcohol in the blood of the mother, which affects the growth of the embryo, including its facial and brain development.
Condition of physical, mental, and behavioral problems that affect babies born to women who drank heavily during pregnancy.
A condition in infants whose malformations can be traced to alcohol consumed by their mothers during pregnancy. Characterized by abnormal eye placement, abnormal nose and mouth development, and failure of the infant to grow and develop normally with full intellectual capacity. Various learning disabilities have been associated with this condition.
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a group of birth defects or abnormalities occurring in children who are born to women who have histories of relatively high levels of periodic or consistent alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The defects, which can include physical, mental, and behavioral problems, are irreversible (Centers for Disease Control, 2001; Mayo Clinic, 2001). FAS is not a single birth defect; rather, it is a cluster or pattern of related problems. The severity of symptoms varies, with some children experiencing problems to a far greater degree than others.
A condition in which mental ability, body formation, and facial development may be defective in a fetus as the result of the mother’s consumption of alcohol (ethanol) while pregnant. The fetus may also be stillborn as a result.
Fetal development which is impaired by maternal consumption of alcohol; commonly demonstrated in the infant by craniofacial abnormalities, limb defects, and some mental retardation.
Various symptoms and conditions affecting the unborn child of an alcoholic mother. After delivery, the baby may be mentally retarded and have multiple physical abnormalities.
A group of birth defects that occur as a result of excessive alcohol consumed by a mother during pregnancy. The more a mother drinks during pregnancy, the more likely her baby is to develop fetal alcohol syndrome. Drinking heavily during the first trimester leads to the most severe problems. Babies have a lo percent risk of developing the syndrome if their mothers drink more than an ounce of alcohol, or two drinks, a day; the risk doubles at two ounces of alcohol per day. Because of the concern that even small amounts of alcohol can cause neurological abnormalities, standard medical practice is to advise pregnant women to abstain altogether from alcohol throughout pregnancy.
A disorder of newborn infants that is caused by the toxic effects on the growing fetus of excessive amounts of alcohol taken by the mother. Low birth-weight and retarded growth are the main consequences, but affected babies may have hand and facial deformities and are sometimes learning disabled.
Birth defects in an infant born to a mother who consumed alcoholic beverages during gestation. Characteristic findings include a small head with multiple facial abnormalities: small eyes with short slits, a wide, flat nasal bridge, a midface that lacks a groove between the lip and the nose, and a small jaw related to maxillary hypoplasia. Affected children often exhibit persistent growth retardation, hyperactivity, and learning deficits and may have signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal a few days after birth.
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition acquired by the fetus and is caused by the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol irreversibly damages the developing brain. The damage can range from severe physical deformity, clumsiness, behavioral problems, and stunted growth to mental retardation.
A set of physical and mental defects that affect a fetus that has been exposed to alcohol because of the mother’s consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.
A group of birth defects caused by the effects of alcohol on an unborn child.
A spectrum of congenital abnormalities, encompassing intellectual disability, stunted growth, impaired nervous system functioning, and structural deformities, which arise due to excessive maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
A unique constellation of birth defects arises when the baby’s mother consistently and excessively consumes alcohol during pregnancy.
The baby impacted by this condition experiences stunted growth, with a small head and brain, as well as small eyes. Additionally, they may have a cleft palate, a small jaw, heart defects, and abnormalities in their joints. As a newborn, the baby has difficulties with sucking, poor sleep patterns, and displays irritability stemming from alcohol withdrawal.
Certain affected infants may not survive beyond the initial weeks of life. Those who do survive could encounter delayed mental development and varying degrees of both mental and physical handicaps.