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Fetal alcohol syndrome

Alternative Names: Alcohol in pregnancy; At risk for fetal alcohol syndrome; Drinking alcohol during pregnancy Symptoms: Consumption of alcohol by a pregnant woman may be the first indicator of potential fetal alcohol syndrome. Text Continues Below Others indicatiors may be: Slow intrauterine and neonatal growth with occasional diagnosis of failure to thrive Delayed development and evidence of mild to moderate mental retardation (IQ range from 50 to 85 with reported average in the mid 60s) Facial abnormalities, skeletal limb abnormalities, tremors (in the newborn infant), agitation and crying (in the newborn infant) Signs and tests: Examination of the baby may show a heart murmur or other evidence of cardiac anomalies. As the baby grows, there may be evidence of delayed mental development. Facial and skeletal abnormalities may also be present. Tests include: Pregnancy ultrasound, which can demonstrate the presence of intrauterine growth retardation Infant ECG and echocardiogram, which can detect heart abnormalities Blood alcohol level in pregnant women who exhibit signs of intoxication (see toxicology screen)

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