Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Free Essay Example, 1000 words

But the fact is that there are no safe levels of alcohol use during pregnancy. Of course, binge drinking during pregnancy may cause more problems to the fetus, but even single peg of alcohol consumption can cause adverse effects on the fetus. Symptoms Poor growth while the baby is in the womb and after birth, Decreased muscle tone and poor coordination, Delayed development and problems in three or more major areas: thinking, speech, movement, or social skills, Heart defects, Problems with the face, including: Narrow, small eyes with large epicanthal folds, Small head, Small upper jaw, Smooth groove in upper lip, Smooth and thin upper lip etc are some of the major symptoms of FAS (Fetal alcohol syndrome, 2011). Many other problems facing by the current children during their childhood are believed to be caused by the drinking habits of their mothers during pregnancy. Treatments Effective treatments or cure for FAS are still not available. The best and only way to prevent FAS is to stay away from drinking habits at least during pregnancy. Even though medical science has advanced a lot, there is no medication or treatment available to eliminate or reduce FAS related problems. We will write a custom essay sample on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now However, early diagnosis of FAS may help to give proper educational classes and essential social services to children with FAS. Early interventions found to be more effective in the management of FAS. Special care and attention should be provided to children with FAS to develop properly. It should be noted that FAS children may behave abnormally on many occasions. Patience and temperament from the parts of mothers, family members and the society are necessary to help the children to come out of FAS. Eaton, et al. (2011) pointed out that â€Å"As there is no cure for an FASD, preventive activities are currently the only successful approach to reduce the risk of an Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy (AEP) through screening, education, or brief interventions of childbearing age women† (Eaton, et al. 2011, p. 260). Recommendations for preventing FAS â€Å"Despite warnings by the U. S. Surgeon General and others, childbearing age women continue to drink at high levels, even in pregnancy† (Eaton, et al. 2011, p. 260). In other words, many pregnant women are not taking the warnings of healthcare professionals against taking alcohol. Child bearing is a basic right for every woman. However, it should be noted that no woman has moral, ethical or legal right to deliberately engage in activities which may cause harm to their fetus.