Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a range of developmental problems in children caused by the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. At the most severe end of this spectrum is full-blown foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), explains Chanelle le Roux, research coordinator at the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR) in Cape Town. "Sadly, FAS is the most common cause of preventable intellectual disability in the world," she says.
According to one study by George Mason University in the USA, South Africa is one of the countries most affected by FAS, with one to four percent of children showing some symptoms. The South African FASD Prevention Symposium in 2008 identified one high-risk area where the prevalence rate was almost 12 percent.
Liquid poison
"Alcohol acts as poison to a developing baby and specifically targets the baby’s brain and nervous systems," says Le Roux. "The damage can be done at any stage of pregnancy, and all types of alcohol – including wine, spirits and beer – can have an effect."
Every pregnancy is unique though, and various factors influence the impact of alcohol on a foetus, including the mother’s metabolism of alcohol and genetic factors. Different children exposed to alcohol prenatally may be affected to varying degrees, even if their mothers consumed exactly the same amount of alcohol at the same time.
How much is safe?
Despite numerous studies on the topic, no safe level of alcohol use has been established. “Women are strongly advised to avoid using any alcohol during pregnancy,” says Le Roux. Some studies suggest that as little as one drink per week can cause problems.
Alcohol should also be avoided whilst breastfeeding since it can enter the breast milk, and a baby’s brain continues to develop after birth.
The bottom line? For the sake of your baby’s brain, abstain.
Symptoms of FAS
- Abnormal facial features, such as wide-set eyes and no ridge on the upper lip.
- Small head size, stunted growth and low body weight
- Poor coordination
- Hyperactive behaviour
- Poor memory, learning disabilities and delays in speech and language.
- Poor judgment skills
- Sleep problems
- Vision and hearing problems
- Heart, kidney, and bone problems
A father’s role in FAS
Up to now FASD has been assumed to be exclusively the result of the mother’s drinking behaviour during pregnancy. However, according to material provided by Taylor & Francis, recent research suggests that the father’s drinking habits can play a part as well: In one study published in Animal Cells and Systems, researchers studied male mice exposed to varying concentrations of alcohol and one control group exposed only to saline.
After exposure, the mice were mated and resulting foetuses examined. The findings revealed previously unknown evidence that paternal alcohol consumption can directly affect foetal development, report Taylor & Francis. They go on to say that a number of foetuses sired by males exposed to alcohol suffered abnormal organ development and or brain development, while those in the saline group were normal.
This research provides the first definitive evidence that fathers’ drinking habits pre-conception can cause significant foetal abnormalities.
While further research will be necessary to determine the extent to which fathers are accountable for foetal abnormalities, the take-home message is that men also need to be aware that their lifestyles pre-conception can affect their unborn children.
Get help
FASD is irreversible, and it’s important for these children to receive help in managing their difficulties. FARR has just launched a telephonic support group for parents of children with FASD, and also offers diagnostic services in Rondebosch. Contact them at [email protected] or 021-686-2646, visit their webpage www.farrsa.org.za, or find them on Facebook.
Visit the Western Cape Provincial FAS reference and working group website at www.fasdsa.org for more information and links to support groups.
IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com