Fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is also known as fetal alcohol syndrome. It is a permanent birth defect caused by a mother's alcohol abuse during pregnancy. The degree will be affected by the amount, frequency and time of mother's drinking. Alcohol can enter the placenta, hinder the growth and weight of the fetus, cause unique small patches on the face, damage neurons and brain structures, and cause physical, mental or behavioral problems. [1] [2] [3] The main effect of fetal alcohol syndrome is permanent damage to the central nervous system. Alcohol exposure during life can hinder the development of nerve cells and brain structures or cause deformities. It generally causes a series of primary cognitive and dysfunctions, including weakened memory, insufficient attention, impulsive behavior and weak understanding. It also causes secondary obstacles, such as legal difficulties, mental illness and drug addiction. [3] [4] The risk of brain damage occurs every three months of pregnancy, because the fetal brain is developing throughout the pregnancy. [5] Alcohol exposure in the Western world during his lifetime was the main cause of mental retardation. [6] In the United States, the transmission rate of fetal alcohol syndrome is estimated to be 0.2-2.0 cases (that is, 0.02% to 0.2%) per 1,000 newborn babies, which can be comparable to or higher than other developmental disorders, such as Down syndrome or Spina bifida. [7] Lifelong drugs and social costs for each person with fetal alcohol syndrome are estimated to be as high as $ 800,000. [8] Although fetal alcohol syndrome may not be caused naturally by alcohol exposure during pregnancy, the U.S. Department of Health still recommends that pregnant women quit drinking to reduce their risk