Alcohol use, during any stage of a pregnancy, can be extremely harmful to the child. To the surprise of some, this includes even the earliest stages of pregnancy, when a mother might not even know! By consuming alcohol during a pregnancy, the baby has a chance of developing conditions that fall into scale of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).
The difficulties the child may face from being exposed to alcohol differ widely, as FASDs can lead to several physical, mental, and behavioral problems. Often, those who are affected by FASDs struggle with social environments—including communicating effectively—learning and remembering, following and understanding directions, maintaining emotional stability, and even participating in a regular schedule, like feeding and bathing.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the most serious condition in terms of FASDs. Those with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome tend to have physical abnormalities, like wide-set, smaller eyes, growth problems, and possible issues with their nervous systems, along with the aforementioned difficulties. As of right now, there is no cure for this disorder, and FASDs are a life-long challenge. There are options out there that might help to manage the condition, like therapy and medication, but, much like everything else, what works on one person doesn’t necessarily work on another. Patience is key, and attempting to find the right treatment plan for the individual in vital.
