People have been concerned for centuries about the effect of alcohol on the unborn child. Biblical scripture cautioned women by saying "Behold, thou shalt conceive and bear a son: and now drink no wine or strong drinks." (Judges 13:7)

Aristotle wrote, "Foolish, drunken and harebrained women most often bring forth children like unto themselves, morose and languid."

Ancient Carthage revealed that rituals forbade the drinking of wine by the bridal couple so that a defective child would not be conceived.

As early as 1726, a report from the College of Physicians to the British Parliament exposed the fact that "Parental drinking is a cause of weak, feeble and distempered children."

Today, research has proven conclusively that alcohol can be very damaging to the unborn child. Despite the overwhelming evidence on file, many women are not aware of the dangers of drinking alcohol when pregnant. The incidence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Southern Alberta is unknown, but is recognized as significantly high. These children can be identified at birth, but more often, the diagnosis occurs in early childhood.

The diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effect does not necessarily mean that the child has no future. With prompt diagnosis and support from the community, the impact of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects can be minimized.

What causes FAS/FAE?

To truly understand the effects that alcohol has on the unborn baby, it is important to look at the stages of growth that occur before birth.

A very simple analogy to the harmful impact alcohol has on the fetus might be to consider what it takes to grow a beautiful flower in your garden. After you have found an area with rich, nutritious soil, the seed is placed into the ground. Left unattended, there is a chance that you will find a healthy flower in the Spring. However, to insure that the flower grows, you provide it with water, nutrients and shelter from the elements.

What you did not know is that your neighbour hates bugs and decides that your garden needs to be sprayed with pesticide. The neighbour did not mean to harm the flower, but the chemicals in the bug spray prevented the flower from absorbing the nutrients it needed. In the spring, when flower finally sprouted it was quite small and did not look exactly the same as the other flowers in the yard. Yet, it was still a flower.

The Effects of Alcohol on the Unborn Baby

Each unborn child is affected differently by alcohol. Factors that affect the risk and severity of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome include:

1. Timing of the exposure - The cells of the babies brain and facial features are formed in the first few months of pregnancy. Heavy drinking during this time may explain why FAS children have similar facial characteristics.
2. Binge drinking - Recent research has revealed that women who drink heavily on occasion place their unborn babies at serious risk for brain injury.
3. Use of drugs and alcohol - Babies that are exposed to both alcohol and drugs have an increased risk of damage.
4. Heredity - Scientists are now discovering that the ability to metabolize (burn off) alcohol is linked to genetic and cultural factors.

How does the Doctor know that a child has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

The Physician makes a diagnosis based on the history of the pregnancy and the results of the physical examination. The Doctor will determine the answers to these questions:

1. Do medical records document that the child's biological mother drank alcohol during the pregnancy.
2. Was the child very small at birth, in spite of being full term? Does the child continue to be small for their age even though they are being well fed?
3. Does the child have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome facial characteristics?
4. Does the child have other problems associated with brain injury such as clumsiness, learning problems, trouble remembering?

What is Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE)?

The Physician makes a diagnosis of FAE if the examination reveals:

1. Proof that the child's biological mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.
2. The child has some FAS facial characteristics.
3. The child is smaller than expected, or the child has problems associated with a brain injury or the child has behavioural or learning difficulties.

How does an FAS/FAE child act?

They often act like every other child. Some children experience problems with lying, paying attention, defiance, schooling and stealing. It is important to remember that each child responds differently. More information on secondary disabilities is available here.

Can FAS/FAE be cured?

Although the effects of FAS/FAE are permanent, we have found that there are some important things that can be done to insure a bright future for kids with FAS/FAE.

1. Make sure that the child is examined by a Physician familiar with FAS/FAE. An official medical diagnosis is essential so that the child will be entitled to community resources.
2. Learn as much as possible about how alcohol has impacted the child's ability to learn. One of the most important things to know is how FAS makes it difficult for children to understand concept of "cause and effect" (for instance, if I play with matches, I might start a fire.).
3. Be consistent. FAS specialists emphasise that consistency is an essential part of successfully parenting a child with FAS.
4. Be an advocate for the child affected by FAS/FAE. Don't be afraid to ask teachers what they are going to do to help the FAS child succeed in class. Provide them with FAS information.
5. Get everyone involved! By that, we mean that it really does take a community to raise a child with FAS/FAE. Find out how one community took action with The TRIUMF Project.

Where can I find help for a FAS/FAE child?

Information about health, education and the social services that are provided in Southwestern Alberta, is available here.

Where can I find more information about FAS/FAE?

Resource Links for ARBI & The Community

The ARBI (FAS/FAE) Quiz

Test your knowledge of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effects!
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