Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders occur when a mother ingests alcohol while pregnant. This act severely harms the baby physically, mentally, and emotionally. These are long term effects that the baby will endure up until adulthood. The only way to prevent these issues to avoid all alcohol during pregnancy.
DRINKING ALCOHOL WHILE PREGNANT
Drinking any amount of alcohol during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature baby, undeveloped limbs, behavior problems, learning disabilities, sensory disabilities, heart defects, meltdowns, hearing problems, autism, vision problems, and hyperactivity.
LACK OF ADEQUATE NUTRIENTS
Drinking alcohol while pregnant will prevent the fetus from becoming nourished with adequate minerals such as Vitamin D, Omega-3s, and B6. Omegas are essential for a healthy brain. A deficiency of Omega-3s can result in lupus, mental illness, vision disorders, hyperactivity, and behavioral disorders. B6 deficiency can negatively affect personality traits, damage cells, cause seizures, and weaken the immune system. Vitamin D prevents depression and improves sleep patterns. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to mood swings, joint pain, and high blood pressure.
HOW IT AFFECTS ADULTHOOD
As the child grows up, they may find it difficult to control their emotions, have poor reasoning skills, face memory problems, have difficulty socializing with others, and possibly struggle with alcoholism. The child may now seem intrusive, hyper, and unable to learn in school. It may also deter them from employment.
RECOVERY
Though there is no quick fix to any of these side effects, there is always hope for recovery.
Those suffering from FADS have strengths as well. They can be athletic, friendly, artistic, helpful, generous, determined, non-judgmental, and hard workers. By focusing on their strengths, and helping them work through their individual conditions, they can learn to function better.
Cognitive therapy can be beneficial for people with FAS. Exercising such as running is known to improve memory and enhance cognitive function which may have been impaired. Exercise can be used as an additional treatment to therapy.