The Concept of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - Term Paper Example

 The Concept of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Alcohol as a substance is toxic to human beings and the toxicity is more defined in fetus. The term Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) refers to abnormalities or irregularities which occur in fetus and later in children as a result of maternal alcohol consumption The term was first used by Kenneth L. Jones and David W. Smith according to Kesmodel, U., et al. (February 15, 2002 p.310). However FAS does not affect all children born of mothers who take alcohol. FAS results when a mother’s blood enters into the fetus within the uterus. This in turn affects fetal growth and development. Effects of FAS include: Growth retardation. Nervous system complications. Behavioral disorders. Abnormal facial features. Hyperactivity. Mental retardation. Speech and hearing impairments. FAS is not a distant experience as my siblings and I have at least been once in our lifetimes been put under medical supervision in FAS related ailments. In my case, it happened when I was 11 years old and I was experiencing bouts of nervous breakdown especially in chilly mornings. Earlier treatment focused on nervous diseases but when the situation worsened, there was a suggestion by a family doctor to test for the FAS syndrome. As a victim of FAS, many of my school days were lost due to FAS related complications, at the junior school, to cope become so hard since all other kids noticed that I was different from them in someway. Of course this is a very devastating situation to be in. Though this condition is not presently a bother to me, my elder brother has not been very lucky for he has had an unusually high incidences of arrests, he is sometimes into prisons and it feels bad given that he is not to blame for what is happening . Despite his ‘innocence”, many blame him and he pays for his deeds. The syndrome is correlated to culture since in essence; culture plays a crucial role in peoples’ drinking habits. For instance, culture in most Islamic countries forbid women from taking alcohol, therefore it is expected that incidences of FAS in such cultures is significantly low compared to other cultures in the west where alcohol consumption is culturally tolerated in most parts. Apart from culture, Serdula, M.; Williamson, D.F.; Kendrick, J.S.; Anda, R.F.; & Byers, T. (1991 p. 877) found nutrition and metabolism as the other factors influencing FAS. Sokol, R.J., et al. (December 10, 2003 p.2996) also linked FAS to genetics by studying the prevalence of FAS in blacks compared to whites. They found that the risk was significantly higher for the former than it was for the latter. This can be explained by the fact that most black women were more unlikely to report accurately on their alcohol consumption habits. The leading cause of FAS though remains to be prenatal exposure to alcohol especially when the embryo is increasingly exposed to alcohol. Medically FAS can be said to happen if the body organs or system are affected in their development and cell formation. Prevention FAS is preventable, it worrying that more and more people are suffering from a disease that is fully preventable. Various preventative measures include: Self-reporting. This is where by once a woman discovers she is pregnant and is into the habit of alcohol taking. One is supposed to report to a prenatal clinic so as to receive the necessary treatment and help. Ultra sound screening during pregnancy. This is conducted to test for the syndrome in fetus. Once detected, preventative measures are began so as to avoid further harm to fetus. Abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy. This is the best way to prevent FAS as it is solely acquired through alcohol consumption. Therefore complete abstinence means zero chances of acquiring the syndrome. There is still a need for more studies on the subject of FAS. To date, there is no consensus as to what level of alcohol consumption is safe for pregnant mothers. There is a need for a definite answer so as allow mothers to make informed choice as whether to drink during pregnancy or not. However for now the best option is to abstain from taking alcohol once pregnant. FAS has caused untold suffering to unborn babies, it directly causes many fetal deaths. This is alarming given the fact that these babies are innocent and their deaths can be prevented. For children, the effect of FAS is manifested in mental retardness. Low IQ associated with FAS causes many children to perform poorly in school therefore jeopardizing their chances of living normal lives. Research has shown that FAS patients are more likely to engage in criminal activities than people not suffering from the condition. Recommendation. There is a need for controlling FAS by addressing key causes of drinking behavior amongst pregnant mothers. This in turn will result into a significant drop of FAS cases. In addition, awareness campaigns should be designed in a way that they are effective and are able to reach target audience. There is also a need to train health workers in skills and techniques of detecting the syndrome. This intervention measure is helpful in that when ever the syndrome is discovered; mothers can be advised to stop alcohol consumption therefore minimizing its effects on the fetus. Teachers can play a very big role in controlling FAS by identifying and working with children suffering from the syndrome. In cases where the condition is out their ability to help, teachers can refer such to specialists. There is also a need for all pregnant women to attend pre-natal clinics for it is there where the syndrome can be detected and appropriate measures taken. Governments should take appropriate measures to curb the excessive consumption of alcohol by pregnant mothers. Although it is an issue hard to deal with legally, campaign especially making mothers aware of the effects alcohol can have on their unborn babies can greatly help. The fact that FAS is not treatable is saddening and a cause for mothers to consider seriously quitting alcohol taking once pregnant. It is further complicated by the fact that it is never noticed until the damage done is already too much. Conclusion Being an irreversible condition negatively affecting children, FAS should be viewed as more dangerous than many other syndromes like Down’s syndrome which are treatable. Therefore it should be controlled or prevented by all possible means. Pregnant mothers should seek early diagnosis and treatment to FAS since it is the only to solving the condition. This can help reduce significantly the effects of FAS. Finally, alcohol drinks should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy. REFERENCES Kesmodel, U., et al. (February 15, 2002) Moderate Alcohol Intake During Pregnancy and the Risk of Stillbirth and Death in the First Year of Life. American Journal of Epidemiology, volume155, number 4, pages 305-312. Serdula, M.; Williamson, D.F.; Kendrick, J.S.; Anda, R.F.; & Byers, T. (1991) Trends in alcohol consumption by pregnant women. Journal of the American Medical Association 265(7):876-879. Sokol, R.J., et al. (December 10, 2003) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Journal of the American Medical Association, volume 290, number 22, pages 2996-2999. Read More