Effects of Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Essay

Effects of Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Works Cited Missing Alcohol plays a major role in society today. It is constantly being in our minds through advertisements, whether its commercials or billboards, holidays, or even just at the popular social scene. Alcohol is consumed for many purposes, such as celebrations, to increase romance, out of boredom, or a way to relax. Alcohol is a drug that is depended upon by the majority of our society. Nonetheless, alcohol has very damaging effects, not only does it cause self-inflicted diseases resembling alcoholism or cirrhosis of the liver, but it harms unborn fetuses as well. Many women drink alcohol when they do not even know that they are pregnant yet. Alcohol can cause†¦show more content†¦A small brain, learning disabilities, short attention span, hyperactivity in childhood, and poor body, hand, and finger coordination are examples of CNS handicaps.(NIAAA, p.1) Mental handicaps and hyperactivity are probably the most debilitating aspects of FAS.(Streissguth, p.1) Children with FAS also suffer from facial abnormalities. These abnormalities include: small eye openings, drooping eyelids, short upturned nose, thin upper lip, and low set or poorly formed ears. (NIAAA, p.1) These facial patterns distinguish children with FAS/FAE from normal children, however they are not harshly malformed. A more serious and life threatening symptom of FAS is organ deformities. This includes heart defects, heart murmurs, genital malformities, as well as urinary and kidney defects. Abnormal thyroid functioning and a decrease in the effectiveness of the immune system are also present in infants exposed to alcohol. What about paternal alcohol consumption? Alcohol may affect fetal development through a direct effect on the fathers sperm or gonads. Studies have shown that children with alcoholic fathers often experience cognitive abilities and have a greater chance of being hyperactive. These findings were found in adoption cases, where the biological father was an alcoholic and the child was raised by nonalcoholic parents.(Cicero,p.3) FAE is a broad term covering a wide range of success levels, from mild learningShow MoreRelatedEffects Of The On Fetal Alcohol Syndrome1206 Words   |  5 Pagesresulted in an increase in alcohol intake. During this period, fetal and infant death rates were at it highest [1]. The medical society did not believe consumption of alcohol was the cause of the high rise in birth defects at the time. With the repeal of the prohibition on alcohol in 1933, doctors believed it had beneficial effects to the point of intravenous treatments with alcohol were used to delay preterm labor. In the 1950s to 1960s, there was another rise in fetal birth defects called the â€Å"thalidomideRead MoreEffects Of Alcohol Exposure On Fetal Alcohol Syndrome1303 Words   |  6 Pagesharmful substances like alcohol interrupt these processes, the contaminated environment surrounding and infiltrating the embryo’s developing body makes it difficult for development to continue as planned. As a result, abnormalities are often a characteristic of such conditions. The following paper will discuss the effect of maternally consumed alcohol on an embryo, as well as the resulting disorder from alcohol exposure: fetal alcohol syndrome. Prenatal alcohol effects Alcohol is classified as a teratogenRead MoreFetal Alcohol Syndrome And Its Effects1712 Words   |  7 Pages Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and its Effects On a Child’s Cognitive Development Dane D. Hrencher Kansas State University Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and its Effects On a Child’s Cognitive Development Alcohol is known as one the most dangerous teratogens. Every time a pregnant woman drinks, she allows alcohol to enter her blood stream and make its way into the placenta. Unlike the mother, the fetus is unable to break down alcohol that makes the blood alcohol level of the fetus the same orRead MoreFetal Alcohol Syndrome : Causes And Effects1078 Words   |  5 Pages Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Alcohol plays a major role in society today. We consume alcohol for many purposes such as gatherings, holidays, or self fulfillment. One of the most frowned upon things that come with drinking in our society is drinking during pregnancy. Nonetheless, consumption of alcohol during pregnancy can result in pathologies for the mothers fetus leading to growth, mental, and physical birth defects, also known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The severity of the effects from thisRead MoreThe Effects Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome On Infants3388 Words   |  14 Pages30 April 2015 The Effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome on Infants Abstract Fetal alcohol syndrome is caused when women during their pregnancy drink alcohol and cause developmental problems that can affect the fetus and infant for the rest of his or her life. Fetal alcohol syndrome can cause facial abnormalities, mental retardation, and a significant decrease in overall growth of the fetus.1 There are numerous studies about prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome, and its effects on physical, neurologicalRead MoreThe Effects Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome On The Children850 Words   |  4 Pagesto further educate individuals in regards to what fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is, how to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome, the side effects of fetal alcohol syndrome during infancy, and the long term effects of fetal alcohol syndrome on the child emotionally, physically, and mentally. Definition Fetal alcohol syndrome is a diverse pattern of congenital malformations when ethyl alcohol is consumed chronically in high doses during pregnancy. Alcohol ingestion can influence development of body organsRead MoreCause And Effect Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome2649 Words   |  11 Pagesunreasonable people. Alcohol, a psychoactive drug, found within many adult beverages causes countless problems for people suffering from addiction but even more devastating are the mothers who drink when pregnant. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a disorder that refers to mental and physical effects of an individual whose mother consumed large quantities of alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can destroy neurons in a growing fetus along with causing problems with growth and weight. In the past, alcohol has been shownRead MoreFetal Alcohol Syndrome The Effects of Alcohol on a Fetus During Pregnancy1727 Words   |  7 Pages Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is caused by fetal exposure to alcohol during pregnancy a nd is characterized by specific patters of fetal deformities. Researchers are unsure at what stage in the pregnancy these malformations occur or the amount of alcohol consumed to cause these deformities. FAS is the leading cause of mental retardation that is preventable. There are usually three factors pertaining to a diagnosis of FAS: â€Å"the presence of prenatal/postnatal growth retardation, craniofacial anomaliesRead MoreFetal Alcohol Syndrome Is A Collection Of Multiple Effects Essay1264 Words   |  6 PagesFetal alcohol syndrome is a collection of multiple effects that happen because of exposure to alcohol in utero and can be a very serious problem that is prevalent. Fetal alcohol syndrome was first talked about and described in 1973 (Caley, Dunlap, Shipkey, Rivera, Winkelman, 2006). Over the years a lot has become known about the dangers of exposing a fetus to alcohol and how common it really is (Caley et al, 2006). According to Krulewitch (2005), 1 in 10 women will consume alcohol after knowingRead MoreThe Effects Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Students1117 Words   |  5 Pagesin. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome students struggle with their memory and struggle to remember the things they are being taught. Teachers should implement a daily planner for the students in order to help them keep up with their assignments and help them remember what they are to do each day and night for school. According to Catterick, teachers should â€Å"ensure that learning is multisensory where possible to give the child the best chance of taking in the information† (p. 113) Fetal Alcohol Syndrome students