Sarah Morelli

Biology 1090 7:45-8:50

ePortfolio Signature Assignment
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Background
FAS was first published in1973 article in the British medical journal The Lancet. This
term came about from pediatricians and psychiatrists from the University of Washington
Medical School, who were trying to discuss alcoholic mothers, and the effects they had
on their children. The findings then went on to have a great influence on culture in the
upcoming years. Oral birth control became much more widespread to prevent
pregnancy in drinking mothers. Abortion was also soon legalized, know to be influenced
on the fact that their child might have FAS.
FAS
Fetal alcohol syndrome or FAS is defined as a group on conditions a child is born with,
in result of their mother drinking while she was pregnant. These conditions can be
physical and mental and include: small head, hyperactivity, poor judgement, problems
seeing or hearing, heart problems and many more. When diagnosing FAS one must first
tell their doctor they were drinking while the baby was pregnant, and the sooner you tell
your doctor, the better outcome from your child. The doctor will then do a psychical

exam on the child and look for certain characteristics such as: slow growth rate,
abnormal facial features, small head size and poor coordination.
Treatment for FAS can help with symptoms but is incurable. Most importantly a child
with FAS must have a stable household. This is very important because while they are
growing and learning they need good examples and a place where they can have extra
attention. The child is going to be much more sensitive to disruptions around the house
and needs that stable environment, along with a steady routine. Medical treatments are
offered for the symptoms of FAS and can be used to ease the problems. One can take
antidepressants or medications for anxiety. Another alternative to medical treatments, is
counseling. This can be crucial for the child. Being able to talk through why they are
they way that they are will be very important for how they function in society. Counseling
with also give them the tools on how to deal with their conditions.
What happens in the body during FAS
When the mothers drinks, the alcohol goes through her bloodstream, across the
placenta and into the baby. The baby cannot process the alcohol like the mother
causing the baby to have a higher alcohol level. The alcohol then causes the delivery of
oxygen and optimal nutrition to the baby's tissues and organs, including the brain.
Oxygen is delivered through out the body through the respiratory and circulatory system
in the body. When oxygen is breathed in it is goes through a process, ends up in the

lungs and is then deposited into our bloods through alveolis, which are little sacs in the
lungs caring blood capillaries. When the baby has a high blood alcohol level this will
cause the process of oxygen in the blood to be distorted. When oxygen cannot be
brought to the brain and other organs they will not be able to grow and function properly;
causing the symptoms of FAS.

Work Cited
https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/Breathing-How-Oxygen-Travels-in-theBody0
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcoholsyndrome/basics/preparing-for-your-appointment/con-20021015
http://www.healthline.com/health/fetal-alcohol-syndrome#Symptoms3

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/fetal-alcohol-syndrome