Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). These are a group of conditions that cause long-term problems for your baby.
Important
Drinking during any stage of pregnancy can be harmful to your baby
Signs and symptoms of FASD
There is a wide range of signs and symptoms linked to FASD. Symptoms vary a lot from person to person. They range from mild to severe.
There may be signs of FASD when a baby is born. But some effects only become obvious as the child grows.
Physical problems
FASD can cause physical problems such as:
- low body weight
- poor coordination
- problems with joints, muscles, bones, and organs, such as the kidneys and heart
- slow growth and physical development
- vision or hearing problems
- small head size
- sleep and feeding problems as a baby
- facial features - such as a smooth ridge (called a philtrum) between the nose and upper lip
Behavioural issues
Some people develop behavioural issues, including:
- hyperactive behaviour
- poor attention
- poor reasoning and judgment skills
Learning challenges
FASD can affect learning with problems including:
- poor memory
- poor concentration
- speech and language delays
- intellectual disability
Other difficulties
Someone with FASD may have difficulties with mental health, problem-solving and social skills.
These can lead to problems with:
- managing money
- keeping a job
- the law and crime - find it hard to obey rules and understand the consequences of their actions
- addictions or substance use
- finding and keeping a permanent home
The problems linked to FASD are permanent. But early treatment and support can help limit the impact on your child's life.
How severe symptoms can be
How severe symptoms are and the type of symptoms can depend on when alcohol was used during pregnancy.
In the first 3 months of pregnancy, alcohol can cause physical problems for a baby.
From 12 to 14 weeks, a developing baby breathes in, drinks and excretes amniotic fluid (the water that surrounds a baby in the womb). If there is alcohol in the amniotic fluid, a baby can be exposed to alcohol for long periods. This increases the risk of FASD.
Alcohol use at any time throughout pregnancy can damage a baby's brain development.
The more alcohol used during pregnancy, the greater the risk of FASD.
Some people break down alcohol faster than others. This is genetic. The longer alcohol stays in your body, the longer your baby is exposed to its harmful effects.
Causes of FASD
FASD is caused by a baby being exposed to alcohol while they are in the womb. Alcohol in a mother's blood passes to the baby through the placenta.
Because your baby’s organs are still developing, alcohol can harm this development.
Some babies exposed to alcohol in the womb will not develop FASD. But there is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. And there is no stage in pregnancy when it is safe to drink.
All types of alcohol are harmful, including all wines and beers.
Types of FASD and diagnosis
There are different types of FASD. Each is diagnosed based on the signs and symptoms.
Types of FASDs include:
- partial fetal alcohol syndrome (pFAS)
- alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND)
- alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD)
- neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (ND-PAE)
- fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most severe type of FASD. It is caused by drinking heavily during pregnancy.
Symptoms of FAS
A child with FAS may be underweight, smaller than average size and have:
- facial features, such as a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip (philtrum)
- damage to their brain and spinal cord
- an unusually small head or eyes
- vision or hearing difficulties
- problems with their heart and other body organs
- learning difficulties
- problems getting on with other people
FAS is not the most common type of FASD. For every 1 case of FAS there are about 10 cases of other types of FASD.
If you think your child has FASD
Contact a GP or public health nurse if you:
- are worried about your child's development
- think your child could have FASD
You can reduce the risk of more problems for your child if FASD is diagnosed early and they get support.
Supporting someone with FASD
There is no specific treatment for FASD. The damage to a child's brain and body cannot be reversed. But support can make a difference.
Your GP may refer you to support services in your area to help you and your child manage their symptoms.
You may also find it helpful to contact a support group for people caring for someone with FASD.
This can be a good way to:
- get advice
- connect with other people in a similar situation
Preventing FASD
Do not drink alcohol while you are pregnant.
The risk of FASD is higher the more you drink. There's no proven safe level of alcohol in pregnancy. Not drinking at all is the safest approach.
About 2 out of 5 pregnancies are not planned. If you think you may be pregnant, do not drink alcohol.
If you drink alcohol and find out you are pregnant, stop drinking immediately. Your baby has a better chance of healthy brain growth and development.
If you're pregnant and are finding it hard to stop drinking, talk to your GP or midwife.
Non-urgent advice: Get help with problem alcohol use
For confidential advice, freephone 1800 459 459.