Foetal alcohol syndrome

Symptoms of foetal alcohol syndrome

A baby exposed to alcohol in the wombmay have:

a head that's smaller than average
poor growth they may be smaller than average at birth, grow slowly as they get older, and be shorter than average as an adult
distinctive facial features such assmall eyes, a thin upper lip, and a smooth area between the nose and upper lip, though these may become less noticeable with age
movement and co-ordination problems, known as Cerebral palsy
learning difficultiessuch as problems withthinking, speech, social skills, timekeeping, maths ormemory
mood, attention or behaviouralproblemssuch as autism -like behaviour or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
problems with theliver, kidneys, heart or other organs
hearing and vision problems

These problems are permanent, though early treatment and support can help limit their impact on an affected child's life.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for foetal alcohol syndrome

Introduction

Find out about foetal alcohol syndrome, a range of mental and physical problems that can affect children whose mothers drink alcohol while they're pregnant.

Symptoms of foetal alcohol syndrome

A baby exposed to alcohol in the wombmay have: a head that's smaller than average poor growth they may be smaller than average at birth, grow slowly as they get older, and be shorter than average

What to do if you think yourchild has foetal alcohol syndrome

Speak to your GP or health visitor if you have any concerns about your child's development or think they could have foetal alcohol syndrome. If the condition isn't diagnosed early on and a child does

Treatment and support for foetal alcohol syndrome

There is no particular treatment for foetal alcohol syndrome, and the damage to the child's brain and organs can't be reversed. But an early diagnosis and support can make a big difference. Once the

Preventing foetal alcohol syndrome

Foetal alcohol syndromeis completely avoidable if youdon't drink alcohol while you're pregnant. The risk is higher the more you drink,although there's no proven "safe" level of alcohol in pregnancy.

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