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fetal alcohol syndrome
Columbia Encyclopedia entry: fetal alcohol syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), pattern of physical, developmental, and psychological abnormalities seen in babies born to mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy. The abnormalities include low birthweight, facial deformities, and mental retardation, and there appears to be an association with impulsive behavior, anxiousness, and an inability on the part of the affected children to understand the consequences of their actions. When some but not all of these abnormalities are present, they are referred to as fetal alcohol effects (FAE). FAE has been observed in children of mothers who drank as little as two drinks per week during pregnancy. FAS affects 1 to 2 babies per 1,000 born worldwide. Many require constant lifelong supervision and end up institutionalized because of dysfunction in the family. FAS was first defined as a syndrome in 1973, although it has been observed for centuries. See also alcoholism.

See M. Dorris, The Broken Cord: A Family's Ongoing Struggle with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (1989).

The Columbia Encyclopedia. Copyright © 2001-09 Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

Wikipedia search results for: Fetal alcohol syndrome
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fetal/Foetal alcohol syndrome is a pattern of mental and physical defects which develops in some unborn babies when the mother drinks excessive alcohol during pregnancy.The ingestion of alcohol does not always result in FAS, but no amount of alcohol whatsoever is proven safe for consumption during pregnancy. The current recommendation of both the Surgeon General of the United States and the British Department of Health is not to drink alcohol at all during pregnancy. U.S. Surgeon General Releases Advisory on Alcohol Use in Pregnancy. United States Department of Health and Human Services. Press release. Retrieved on 2007-04-11 Alcohol crosses the...more »
Columbia Encyclopedia search results: fetal alcohol syndrome
Results 1 - 5  of 5
  • alcoholism

    Alcoholism, disease characterized by impaired control over the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholism is a serious problem worldwide; in the United States the wide availability of alc...

  • birth defects

    Birth defects, abnormalities in physical or mental structure or function that are present at birth. They range from minor to seriously deforming or life-threatening. A major defect of some typ...

  • mental retardation

    Mental retardation, below average level of intellectual functioning, usually defined by an IQ of below 70 to 75, combined with limitations in the skills necessary for daily living. Daily livin...

  • pregnancy

    Pregnancy, period of time between fertilization of the ovum (conception) and birth, during which mammals carry their developing young in the uterus (see embryo). The duration of pregnancy in h...

  • drug addiction and drug abuse

    Drug addiction and drug abuse, chronic or habitual use of any chemical substance to alter states of body or mind for other than medically warranted purposes. Traditional definitions of addicti...

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