Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Aside from Fetal Death, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one of the most extreme outcomes from alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is typically characterized by abnormal facial features, such as small eyes and the absence of a philtrum, as well as growth problems and various other symptoms.
FAS can cause difficulty in learning, memory, attention span, vision or even hearing in the affected individual, or any mix of these. Due to many of these symptoms being shared across other diseases, FAS is relatively difficult to diagnose properly.
Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)
Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder may impact the affected child’s intellect, leading to behavioural and learning problems manifesting. These individuals often will do poorly in school and may have difficulty with judgment, attention and impulse control.
Alcohol-Related Birth Defects
A variety of birth defects can manifest from alcohol exposure as a fetus. Among the most common are issues with the heart, kidneys and bones, as well as the ability to hear. A mixture of these symptoms may also be present depending on the specific case of the individual.
Neurobehavioural Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE)
Youth with ND-PAE are defined to have problems in three distinct areas. Firstly, the mental ability and memory of the child may be severely lacking, causing them to forget material that they have learned and have issues with planning. Secondly, behavioural issues such as severe tantrums, irritability and other mood issues, and difficulty shifting attention is common. Lastly, trouble with day-to-day tasks, such as bathing, dressing and interacting with other children is often seen.
To be diagnosed with ND-PAE, the mother of the child must have also been drinking more than 13 alcoholic drinks per month of pregnancy before the child’s birth. This minimum also includes drinking more than 2 alcoholic drinks in one sitting, as this leads to a higher dosage of alcohol that the fetus is exposed to.