Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Prenatal exposure to alcohol can damage the developing fetus and is the leading preventable cause of birth defects and intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities. In 1973, fetal alcohol syndrome was first described as a specific cluster of birth defects resulting from alcohol exposure in utero. Subsequently, research unequivocally revealed that prenatal alcohol exposure causes a broad range of adverse developmental effects. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the general term that encompasses the range of adverse effects associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. The diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol syndrome are specific, and comprehensive efforts are ongoing to establish definitive criteria for diagnosing the other FASDs. A large and growing body of research has led to evidence-based FASD education of professionals and the public, broader prevention initiatives, and recommended treatment approaches based on the following premises:▪ Alcohol-related birth defects and developmental disabilities are completely preventable when pregnant women abstain from alcohol use.▪ Neurocognitive and behavioral problems resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure are lifelong.▪ Early recognition, diagnosis, and therapy for any condition along the FASD continuum can result in improved outcomes.▪ During pregnancy:◦no amount of alcohol intake should be considered safe;◦there is no safe trimester to drink alcohol;◦all forms of alcohol, such as beer, wine, and liquor, pose similar risk; and◦binge drinking poses dose-related risk to the developing fetus.

Vital Signs: Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancies — United States, 2011–2013

“…Therefore, the best time to assess alcohol consumption and inform women about health consequences to them and their child is before pregnancy. Multiple organizations and groups advise women not to drink if they are or might be pregnant (8,(11)(12)(13)(14)(15). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force both recommend routine alcohol screening and brief counseling (intervention) in primary care settings (11,12).…”

Promoting awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among health professionals and the public through nursing faculty champions

“…[3] FAS represents the most widely known diagnosis in the spectrum (FASD). Children with FAS might have abnormal facial features (e.g.…”

“…There is no known safe quantity, frequency, type, or timing of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, but having no prenatal alcohol exposure translates into no FASD. [3] Because FASD is the most common preventable cause of intellectual disabilities in the world, efforts at prevention are paramount. To prevent FASD, a woman should not drink alcohol while she is pregnant, or if she is not using contraception and might become pregnant.…”

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Case Study and Global Perspective on Foundations of Inter-professional and Clinical Education

“…Exposure to alcohol during pregnancy is the #1 preventable causes of intellectual and developmental disabilities [2]. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) may involve a combination of lifelong and complex behavioral effects, physical defects, and learning disabilities, in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth [3].…”