subject: Healthy Gestation Means Healthy Babies: How To Avoid Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [print this page] Fetal anomalies are hereditary abnormalities due to many causes. These abnormalities will be physically manifested when the child is born or a few years after birth. Abnormalities are commonly passed on from parent to child but there are rare cases where they are discovered for the first time in a family's history. An example of abnormality that's physically and mentally manifested is Down Syndrome. This abnormality is caused by the duplication of chromosomes specifically chromosome 21. Physical characteristics of individuals with Down Syndrome include but aren't limited to small teeth, flattened nose, shortened hands, short neck, web feet and distinct eye shape. Mental retardation among Down Syndrome patients is 99.8 %. This is just one example of an abnormality and there are many other abnormalities that have genetic cause and origin.
One kind of preventable fetal anomaly is brought about by addiction to alcohol among pregnant mothers. Pregnant women are generally advised to eat plenty of nutritious foods to ensure the good health of the fetus in the womb. Alcoholism is a big problem faced by so many women in the country. Engaging in unsafe sexual activity is a common result after heavy drinking. The consequence is unexpected pregnancy. Many women are unaware of their pregnancy while they engage in heavy alcohol sprees. Studies conducted in alcohol treatment centers showed that most of these women fall under the age of 17- 25. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy is extremely detrimental not only to the individual drinker but also to the unborn child.
Pregnant women who continue to drink alcohol during their pregnancy are bound to deliver babies with abnormalities. This kind of abnormality is known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Children who have this problem exhibit physical signs like small head circumference, flat mid-face, smooth philtrum (the crease above the upper lip), thin upper lip, small eye openings, underdeveloped jaw and many more. Mental retardation may also be present in extreme cases of fetal exposure to alcohol. Pregnant women under therapy in alcohol rehabilitation centers are counseled of the potential abnormality their unborn baby because of their alcohol intake. This type of abnormality is highly preventable but there are still many women who take this problem for granted.
Children are considered heavenly gifts and as such they have the right to live and be born healthy as much as possible. Part of counselling especially among alcoholic women is, understanding the value of life and making correct decisions as much as they can. Establishing cause and effect situations can empower women patients and women in general to choose wisely before engaging in activities which are harmful in nature.
