Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, also known by its acronym FASD, is a concept that encompasses a series of conditions that can occur in individuals whose mothers consumed alcohol during the period of pregnancy. The effects can range from physical to psychological, behavioral or learning problems. Early detection of alcohol spectrum disorder is essential for the development of minors. So it is important to pay attention to the symptoms.
The cause of this pathology is that, when the mother ingests alcohol, it is transported through the blood until it reaches the umbilical cord. And from there it goes straight to the baby. Therefore, prevention is based on avoiding its intake during pregnancy. Although this may not be so easy to avoid during the first weeks of pregnancy in particular cases in which it is not an expected pregnancy.
When a baby has been exposed to alcohol during his time in the womb, the consequences that this implies can be seen in his development through different common symptoms.
Other aspects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder symptomatology may be seen in children with low body weight, shorter than average height, or small head size, as well as unusual facial features. They may also exhibit poor coordination and hyperactive behavior. As well as certain hearing and vision problems and pathologies in the bones, in the heart or in the kidneys.
The combination of all these symptoms leads some children with FASD to fail at school, have legal problems, use drugs, or manifest self-destructive or dangerous behaviors. In addition to various diseases and health disorders.
The diversity of symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder does not occur in all cases. For example, not all people with FASD have a below-average IQ or health problems related to their organs, such as the heart or kidneys.
Although there is no specific treatment, the symptoms of these people can be improved with a multidisciplinary and combined therapy that combines the psychological and pharmacological fields. In this way, improvements can be observed in the development and quality of life of individuals with FASD.
