Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) can be defined as a moderate to implacable damage to the fetus both mentally and physically (Encarta, 2008). This damage is done when the pregnant mother drinking alcohol during her time of pregnancy (Encarta, 2008). If the mother exposes her fetus to alcohol, she places the life and health of her unborn child at risk and puts the child at risk of contacting this disease (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2007). In effect, if the mother consumes alcoholic drinks, such as beer, liqour and even wine (Kids Health for Parents, 2008), so does the unborn child in the womb (United States National Library of Medicine, 2008).
The disease affects about 1 to 3 children per every 1,000 babies born, and has been determined to be a primary cause of mental illness in the West (Encarta, 2008). In the United States, about one in every 750 children born with symptoms akin to the physical, mental and progression illnesses that are synonymous with FAS (Kids Health, 2008). Another 40,000 children are born with what is termed as “fetal alcohol effects” (Kids Health, 2008). The damage caused by FAS are irrecovaerable which may be inclusive of grave physical, mental and behavioral concerns, though the degree of these symptoms may vary from case to case (Mayo, 2007).
Research has born out the fact that alcohol is very perilous to the fetus (Encarta, 2008). It is not certain, however, as to the means that alcohol proves grievous to the fetus (Encarta, 2008). The alcohol consumed by the mother does damage the fetal cells in the womb (Encarta, 2008). The intake of alcohol also damages the placenta, from where the fetus gains its nutrients and its supply of air (Encarta, 2008). This will lead to a reduced amount of air available to the fetus, resulting in a grave shortage of air to the fetus (Encarta, 2008).
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a very serious illlness, but one that is completely negatable (David Hanson, 2007). Children who suffer from this illness would display the following symptoms; little heads, misshapen facial features, learning disablities, abberant joints and limbs, inadequate coordination and reduced memory capacity (Hanson, 2007). Other symptoms of FAS would include shorter stays in schools, mental illness, alcohol and drug issues, among other deviant behavior (Hanson, 2007).
References Hanson, D. J. , Ph. D. (2007). Fetal alcohol syndrome. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from http://www2. potsdam. edu/hansondj/FetalAlcoholSyndrome. html Kids Health for Parents. (2008).
Fetal alcohol syndrome. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from http://kidshealth. org/parent/medical/brain/fas. html Mayo Clinic Staff. (2007). Fetal alcohol syndrome. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from http://www. mayoclinic. com/health/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/DS00184 MSN Encarta. (2008). Fetal alcohol syndrome. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from http://encarta. msn. com/encyclopedia_761588710/Fetal_Alcohol_Syndrome. html United States National Library of Medicine. (2008). Fetal alcohol syndrome. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from http://www. nlm. nih. gov/medlineplus/fetalalcoholsyndrome. html#cat5