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MEDICAL GENETICS :: Examples of Teratogens

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

What is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)?

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a group of abnormalities in babies born to mothers who consume alcohol during pregnancy. It is the most common known non-genetic (non-inherited) cause of mental retardation in the United States.  About 40,000 babies are born with FAS each year. Even more are born with alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND).

Fetal alcohol syndrome includes a characteristic group of defects including small head and brain, facial abnormalities, and defects of other organs. Infants with FAS also have neurodevelopmental abnormalities including impaired fine motor skills, abnormal walking, neurosensory hearing loss, and poor eye-hand coordination.

What causes fetal alcohol syndrome?


The full picture of FAS usually occurs in babies born to alcoholic mothers, or those who drink regularly or binge-drink. However, no amount of alcohol is safe. Even light or moderate drinking can affect the developing fetus.

Why is fetal alcohol syndrome a concern?

Alcohol use in pregnancy has significant effects on the fetus and the baby. Dependence and addiction to alcohol in the mother also cause the fetus to become addicted. At birth, the baby's dependence on alcohol continues. But since the alcohol is no longer available, the baby's central nervous system becomes overstimulated causing the symptoms of withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal may begin within a few hours after birth and symptoms may last up to 18 months.


What are the symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome?

The following are the most common symptoms of FAS. However, each baby may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

  • small head, small jaw, and small, flat cheeks
  • malformed ears
  • small eyes, poor development of optic nerve, crossed-eyes
  • upturned nose, low bridge
  • small upper mouth structure and teeth
  • caved-in chest wall
  • umbilical or diaphragmatic hernia
  • limited movement of fingers and elbows
  • extra fingers, abnormal palm creases
  • excessive hair
  • under-grown nails
  • incomplete or lack of development of brain structures
  • heart murmurs, heart defects, abnormalities of large vessels
  • incomplete development of genitalia
  • growth, motor, and mental retardation
  • irritability in infancy and hyperactivity in childhood
  • poor coordination

The symptoms of FAS may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Consult a physician for a diagnosis.

How is fetal alcohol syndrome diagnosed?

Most often, FAS is diagnosed based on the mother's history and the appearance of the baby, based on a physician examination by a physician.

Treatment for fetal alcohol syndrome:


Prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome:

Fetal alcohol syndrome is 100 percent preventable. However, it requires that a mother stop using alcohol before becoming pregnant. Because no amount of alcohol is proven safe, women should stop drinking immediately if pregnancy is suspected.

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