Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Question 1

What is foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)?

Answer 1

• a pattern of birth defects, learning and behavioural problems affecting children whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy

Question 2

How does FAS occur?

Answer 2

• during pregnancy the alcohol freely crosses the placenta and causes damage to the developing embryo or foetus

Question 3

What are some classic physical features of FAS in new born babies?

Answer 3

• short stature
• low birth weight
• poor weight gain
• microcephaly

Question 4

What are some abnormalities in children with FAS that become evident as the children age?

Answer 4

• poor attention span
• poor motor skills
• slow language development
• hyperactivity disorder
• learning disabilities or mental retardation
• poor social skills

Question 5

Is there treatment for FAS?

Answer 5

• no
• children with FAS will remain mentally and socially defective all their lives