Health

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a medical diagnosis involving the brain and body of individuals who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. These are lifelong health challenges that interfere with a person’s lifestyle and have severe implications on one’s ability to learn and be a productive citizen. Health care costs to society are significant.

More than 400 other health conditions are related to or commonly occur together with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. They can affect almost all systems in the body. (Government of Canada, 2023). These include, among many others, heart problems, joint pain, ear infections, and early-onset dementia. (Himmelreich, Lutke and Travis, 2016). Despite the prevalence of FASD, many medical professionals know little about FASD due to a lack of preservice and in-service training.

Prenatal Risk of Alcohol Exposure

Alcohol is a teratogen, meaning it crosses the placenta. The fetus does not have the capacity to break down and expel alcohol, so bathes in it after the mother expels it from her body. Alcohol kills developing cells. It also affects cell migration. The brain and other organs may be affected depending on timing, amount, and frequency of exposure.

Fetal Development Chart

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References

G. O. C. (2023, November 29). Key Publications and Reports. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder for Health Professionals. Retrieved July 16, 2024, from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder/health-professionals.html

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a guideline for diagnosis across the lifespan

Jocelynn L. Cook, Courtney R. Green, Christine M. Lilley, Sally M. Anderson, Mary Ellen Baldwin, Albert E. Chudley, Julianne L. Conry, Nicole LeBlanc, Christine A. Loock, Jan Lutke, Bernadene F. Mallon, Audrey A. McFarlane, Valerie K. Temple and Ted Rosales; for the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network. CMAJ February 16, 2016 188 (3) 191-197; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.141593

Hargrove, E., Lutke, C., Griffin, K., Himmelreich, M., Mitchell, J., Lutke, A., & Choate, P. (2024). FASD: The Living Experience of People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder—Results of an Anonymous Survey. Disabilities 2024, 4(2), 332-347. https://doi.org/10.3390National Library of Medicine (n.d.). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Medline Plus. Retrieved July 16, 2024, from https://medlineplus.gov/fetalalcoholspectrumdisorders.html