Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Prevention, Treatment, and Risk

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
The use of drugs and alcohol remains a potential hazard to the health of mothers as well as unborn babies, putting them at the risk of developing certain health complications such as the FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). This effect refers to the various forms of impairments that on a child which result from the exposure to alcohol and alcoholic product when they were in the mother’s womb. In the present day, there is an increasing trend in the cases of children developing health conditions whose origin may be associated with their mothers’ lifestyles during pregnancy. The effects may be in the form of heart defects, joint and bone deformities, specific facial features, and hyperactivity, among others. The disorder that presents through distinct characteristics may be mitigated through prevention as well as specific treatments and support.
Children who suffer from FASD have varying characteristics, including behavioral and social issues and specific physical defects. According to Wilhoit, Scott, and Simecka (2017), for example, some of the traits include poor memory, attention problem, and a generally low intelligence quotient, among others. These traits are evidence of affected brain coordination. Physically, the individuals may exhibit unusual features in the face consisting of a smooth nose ridge, a thin upper lip, and a small size of the head. Moreover, there may be abnormalities in the bones and organs like the kidney and the heart. Besides, they often have difficulty with paying attention, with occasional hyperactive behavior, making them exhibit depression or anxiety. Overall, they have relatively low weights compared to their healthy counterparts.
To prevent FASD, people should focus on the factors that lead to exposure to prenatal alcohol. According to Manriquez et al. (2019), the first step is the creation of public awareness on the adverse impact of the use of alcohol by expectant mothers. Such campaigns should target the use of both mainstream and social media to reach a large number of vulnerable groups. Misconceptions and myths have been the major hurdles to the success of the disorder’s prevention. Also, there may be the need to establish clinical centers for the screening of women with potential alcohol problems. A significant number of studies have shown positive results in education that is centered on both prospective mothers and their caretakers.
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