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.

Others:

• 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 sixties)
• facial abnormalities skeletal (limb) abnormalities, simian crease or other abnormal creases on the palm.
• tremor, 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.

Tests include:

• pregnancy ultrasound; ultrasound can demonstrate the presence of intrauterine growth retardation
• ECG (infant)
• echocardiogram (infant)
• blood alcohol level in pregnant women who exhibit signs of intoxication (see toxicology screen).