Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a disease that has serious consequences for the baby
This month we celebrated the World Day for the Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS, 09/09). The disease is serious, but easily preventable: just do not consume alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. There are those who believe that drinking little during pregnancy does not harm the fetus, but, in reality, it is necessary to reduce alcohol consumption to zero.
For midwife Dr. Bruna Pitaluga, the importance of talking about FAS is even greater when studies show that almost 50% of pregnancies are unplanned. “Most pregnancies are diagnosed after three months of ongoing pregnancy. Furthermore, recent epidemiological data show an increase in alcohol consumption by women in recent decades,” she points out.
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a set of physical, behavioral and cognitive conditions that can affect an individual when the mother consumes or has consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol crosses the placenta and can harm the overall development of the fetus, causing a variety of serious and sometimes irreversible health problems for the baby, says Dr. Mauro Macedo, a member of the Brazilian Academy of Dentistry (ABO).
Alcohol consumption by pregnant women, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, which is the most critical period of gestational development, interferes with the development of the organs and even the brain of the fetus, leading to cognitive, behavioral and physical deficiencies in the future child. .
According to the gynecologist and obstetrician Dr. Carla Iaconelli, a specialist in human reproduction, children with FAS may have difficulties with motor and cognitive coordination, as well as long-term emotional and psychological disorders, which make social life difficult. “You may also have compulsions to use alcohol and drugs, depression and suicidal behavior,” warns the doctor.
Experts underline this There is no safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy. This is because even light or moderate drinking can trigger fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). “Alcohol consumption can cause miscarriages and premature births, as well as causing anomalies in the fetus”, underlines the midwife.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of APS is very complex, says the doctor. “It requires a careful evaluation of the symptoms and physical characteristics. In addition to the mother’s history and her relationship with alcohol. Specific tests are also carried out to identify other associated pathologies”, she explains.
Although FAS is as common as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the disease remains underdiagnosed, analyzes Dr. Bruna Pitaluga. “Probably due to social stigma, complexity of diagnosis, reliance on facial features, and overlap with alternative diagnoses, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),” says the professional.
According to Bruna, there are no laboratory tests to diagnose APS. The diagnosis depends on the evaluation and investigation of the clinical manifestations and is considered as the doctor’s knowledge on the subject.
“Unfortunately we have a lax society regarding the use of alcohol during pregnancy and doctors who, in the 21st century, do not provide adequate guidance to pregnant women during prenatal care, allowing the consumption of this legal drug and harming the future of pregnancy . these children”, underlines the doctor.
Consequences of the syndrome
According to Dr. Carla, alcohol directly affects the central nervous system, causing vital dysfunctions and deficiencies in the formation of the fetus. Experts highlight the major systemic deficiencies in fetal formation caused by APS. Are they:
- Cognitive impairment and delay in mental development;
- Hyperactivity and learning delay;
- Heart problems, such as atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD);
- Hypertension;
- Cardiac arrhythmia;
- Ventricular dysfunction;
- Underdeveloped kidneys;
- Renal dysfunction;
- Recurrent urinary infections;
- Difficulty in skeletal growth;
- Low birth weight.
In addition, there are also facial deficiencies. Are they:
- Upper lip thin (not very pronounced);
- Small nose with flat base;
- Very strong nasolabial wrinkle;
- Slits in the eyes;
- Shorter palpebral fissures (smaller eyes);
- Increased distance between the eyes.
“And it doesn’t end there… we can still have serious intraoral disorders,” warns the dentist. Among these, Dr. Mauro quotes:
- Cleft palate (on the roof of the mouth): affects eating and sucking;
- Delays in tooth eruption;
- Deficiencies in the formation and structure of the teeth;
- Anodontia – absence of some permanent teeth;
- Misaligned and poorly positioned teeth;
- Crossbites: lower teeth outside the upper ones;
- Open bites: misalignment of the front teeth;
- Deep bites – when the lower front teeth are too hidden behind the upper teeth;
- Tooth decay and poor oral hygiene – when the cognitive problem affects motor skills;
- Atretic and poorly developed maxilla and/or mandible.
Healthy pregnancy
Mauro reminds us that FAS is a preventable condition and advises mothers who want to protect their children and keep them in good physical and mental health to completely abstain from alcohol during pregnancy. “Zero tolerance is the rule!”, underlines the professional.
Carla reminds us that alcohol consumption among young women is increasingly widespread, regardless of social class. Furthermore, early pregnancy is also a reality in our society. To the obstetrician, this scenario leads us to believe that there is a high risk of women becoming pregnant and continuing their habit of drinking alcoholic beverages, opening the possibility of higher rates of babies with fetal alcohol syndrome.
“It is important to underline the importance of prenatal care, so that the doctor can closely monitor the gestational process and adequately advise the pregnant woman regarding the risks and precautions for a healthy pregnancy”, underlines the doctor.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
