Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term which covers a range of behavioural and physical problems which may result from heavy drinking during pregnancy.  They have been classified as:

• Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
• Partial Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS)
• Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)
• Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopment Disorder (ARND)

The syndromes, defects, or disorders are sometimes accompanied by other behavioural disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). FASD is not genetic, inherited or curable.  Not all women who drink during pregnancy will have a child with FASD but research shows that drinking alcohol heavily or binge drinking during pregnancy increases the chance of the foetus being harmed. Some of the behavioural and physical problems identified include:

• Prenatal growth retardation and associated low birth weight
• Central nervous system dysfunction

  

• Characteristic facial malformations (FAS)

• Heart and kidney defects
• Hearing and sight impairments

• Limited joint movement

• Hernias

• Cleft lip or palate

• Brain damage