...English 1A February 4, 2013 Fetal Alcohol Syndrome The lifestyle pregnant women live at time affect the life of unborn infant. Most women think that pregnancy is all about bringing life into the world. They forget that it take a lot to keep the unborn child safe by taking precaution in the dietary habits to prevent the destruction or inhibition of life. Some pregnant women continue on their drinking and drug abuse binge right throughout their pregnancy. They do not think ahead to the inexplicable damage that it could do to their fetus. What they do not know is that when women drinks, while pregnant it could cause damage, and pose problems not only to herself, but also to the fetus that she is carrying. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has been the leading cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States today. In knowing how Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can be prevented, what the symptoms are, and who and what make up the risk factors fetal alcohol syndrome can be better understood. Dr. Osaseri (Family doctor), (Gardena Medical Center) stated that “Fetal alcohol syndrome is refers to a newborn who manifests signs, either physically or behaviorally, that are indicative of significant exposure to alcohol during the course of the pregnancy”. A birth defect occurs as a result abuse of alcohol. Some mother don’t consider the health of their unborn child when consumption alcohol during pregnancy; they forget that whatsoever they eat that the unborn child eats the same...
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...PS220-03: Child and Adolescent Psychology June 22, 2010 Unit 9 Final Project: Urie Bronfenbrenner developed the ecological systems theory to explain how everything in a child and the child's environment affects how a child grows and develops. He labeled different aspects or levels of the environment that influence children's development, including the microsystem, the mesosystem, the exosystem, and the macrosystem (Bukatko, 2008). Bronfenbrenner’s theory stresses the need to understand how children develop in everyday life. The development issue I chose to discuss is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and how the surroundings and everyday life affects the development. There are different characteristics that accompany FAS in the different stages of a child's life. "At birth, infants with intrauterine exposure to alcohol frequently have low birth rate; pre-term delivery; a small head circumference; and the characteristic facial features of the eyes, nose, and mouth" (Phelps, 1995, p. 204). Some of the facial abnormalities that are common of children with FAS are: microcephaly, small eye openings, broad nasal bridge, flattened mid-faces, thin upper lip, skin folds at the corners of the eyes, indistinct groove on the upper lip, and an abnormal smallness of the lower jaw (Wekselman, Spiering, Hetteberg, Kenner, & Flandermeyer, 1995; Phelps, 1995). These infants also display developmental delays, psychomotor retardation, and cognitive deficits...
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...The Effects of Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy The Effects of Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy When a pregnant mother consumes alcohol; so does her unborn developing child. “Government Warning: According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects” (Balatbat, 2005, p.110). When a mother drinks during pregnancy the alcohol is in the blood. The alcohol travels through the placenta to the fetus through the umbilical cord, thus causing damaging complications such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). According to "National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome" (2001-2004), “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications” (Facts About FAS/FASD). Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is harmful to the developing fetus because it can cause mental retardation, physical deformity, and central nervous system damage. First, mental retardation is one of the most common characteristics of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Drinking during pregnancy has a damaging effect on unborn children, which can cause major social and emotional effects to the child’s life; this cannot be out grown or treated. Women who consume alcohol during pregnancy sometimes...
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...Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy can cause harm to their unborn child. Many unfavorable outcomes can result from this including fetal alcohol syndrome, which is a condition in a child that results from alcohol exposure during the mother’s pregnancy. The effects of fetal alcohol syndrome can be detrimental to the infants health during pregnancy and after birth including, miscarriage, low birth weight, and physical defects. A mother that drinks alcohol during pregnancy is putting her child at an unnecessary risk for complications, not only during pregnancy, but after the child is born. The pregnancy could result in a miscarriage, because alcohol passes through the placenta. The infant cannot process the alcohol the same way adults do,...
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...Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a group of complications that occur when a newborn is exposed to addictive drugs while in the mother’s womb. NAS is an increasing problem in the United States that many people are unaware of with a rise of 4.4% in 2013. It is important to understand that NAS not only affects the infant, but it affects the mother as well. Both the infant and mother can develop a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Some of these symptoms include neurological, gastrointestinal, and autonomic disorders. Early identification of symptoms is vital to ensure that both the infant and mother receives the best care possible. Another important thing to recognize about NAS is the American Fetal Protection Movement. This law only resides in the United States and it protects the infant’s rights by incarcerating the mother that exposed the infant to the drug. By gaining a better knowledge of NAS, we can understand how the condition is rapidly growing and how important it is to eliminate this disorder. When I began my research, I was unaware that there was a scientific name for prenatal drug abuse. I found the article “Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome” by the Stanford Children’s Hospital (n.d.) which explained that NAS is a term for a group of disorders that a baby can experience when withdrawing from exposure to drugs. Since I have known several infants that were born with NAS, I began to wonder how many infants in the United States were...
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...Table in content What is Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 How is FAS characterized in the community? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Describe how babies with FAS are affected? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In your view what are the symptoms of long-term alcohol use? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What kind of role has the South African context played in FAS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REFRENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This assignment will research Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in light of the South African context. Attention will be given to understanding what FAS is; how is FAS characterized; the impact that alcohol has on brain development; and the effect that FAS has on a baby with the diagnosis. Furthermore, the role that the South African context plays in FAS will be explored. What is Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) The foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of physical malformations observed in the offspring of women who drink alcohol during pregnancy. (By Abel, Ernest Psychological Bulletin, Vol 87(1), Jan 1980, 29-50.) ----1. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a serious health problem that tragically affects its victims and their families, but that is completely preventable. Causing...
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...Alcohol is the leading known preventable cause of mental and physical birth defects in the United States (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Revisited). When a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy she risks giving birth to a child who will have mental and physical deficiencies for their entire life. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was first described and published in medical literature in 1968. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a physical abnormality most recognized in the facial features and reduced size of newborns it can also lead to behavior problems and cognition. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is caused by mothers drinking heavy during pregnancy. The current recommendation of the US Surgeon General is not to drink alcohol at all during pregnancy (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). According to the book Fetal Alcohol Syndrome one in every 750 infants are born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome each year in the United States. An additional 40,000 babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Effects. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome occurs when alcohol crosses the placental barrier and it stunts fetal growth or weight, creates distinctive facial stigmata, damage neurons and brain structures, and causes other physical, mental, or behavioral problems. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is caused by prenatal exposure to high level of alcohol. Many people think of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome as a drunken baby or a baby addicted to alcohol but Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is not either. According to the book Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or FAS...
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...observing the effects of alcohol on the growing fetus. Firstly, the issue will be to identify ways in which consumption of alcohol affects pre and postnatal conception. Barnes and Bradley (1990) assert consumption of alcohol during pregnancy may have serious consequences for the fetus. Furthermore, the importance of current health initiatives relating to fetal alcohol syndrome will be addressed, including preventable measures. In addition, throughout the assignment, one will abbreviate Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effects to FAS/E Barnes and Bradley (1990) emphasise alcohol travels through the blood stream to affect the sperm, egg and fetus. Professor Kaufman 1988 (in Barnes and Bradley 1991,p.98) suggests “no alcohol in the preconception preparation stage for both partners”, and during pregnancy for the women. Similarly, Stroebe (2000) stipulate women should not drink alcohol for the duration of pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects termed fetal alcohol syndrome. Moreover, Beattie 1981 (in Booth and Williams 1985, p75) highlight social and constant heavy drinking especially in the first trimester of pregnancy can damage the normal growth of the fetus. In support of this Zieman (2004) assert drinking during the first trimester is the most serious, and babies exposed to alcohol at this most crucial time often have small brains and physical problems, what's more these babies can develop severe learning difficulties. Zieman (2004) additionally suggest alcohol crosses the placenta...
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...The Arc was founded in 1950 by a small group of concerned parents and community members in Minneapolis, MN. They had decided to come together and act as voices for those with intellectual disabilities. At that time there was very limited information known about intellectual disabilities, or mental retardation as they used to say, and the causes of it. Because of this, there were practically no programs or activities for these kids in order to help with the development, care, and support for families. At that time, it was extremely common for a physician to tell a parent their child would be better suited at an institution. This is when The Arc’s founders decided to fight because they wanted more for their children and wanted them to lead a fulfilling life. The Arc works passionately to ensure that every individual with a mental disability and their parents have access to information, advocacy, and skills they need in order to participate as an active citizen and member of their community. This organization is committed to altering the perceptions of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition they also secure services for these individuals who have been denied an education, day care and preschool, and the right to work (The Arc, n.d.). This organization has adapted accordingly due to the sensitive terminology that has had an impact on these individuals. The term ‘mental retardation’ was used vastly as the appropriate terminology in the medical...
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...nutrients to pass into the fetus from the mother’s bloodstream and bodily wastes to pass out to the mother. Embryonic Stage. The embryonic stage is the second stage of prenatal development, lasting from two weeks until the end of the second month. Fetal Stage. The fetal stage is the third stage of prenatal development, lasting from two months through birth. Environmental Factors and Prenatal Development. Teratogens are any external agents, such as drugs or viruses, that can harm an embryo or fetus. Maternal Drug Use. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a collection of congenital (inborn) problems associated with excessive alcohol use during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most common known cause of mental retardation. Maternal Illness and Exposure to Toxins. The fetus is largely defenseless against infections because its immune system matures relatively late in the prenatal period. Maternal Nutrition and Emotions. Important to consume a balanced diet that includes crucial vitamins and minerals. Prospective mothers’ emotional reactions to stressful events can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance that fosters healthy prentatal development Fetal Origins of Disease. Events during prenatal development can “program” the fetal...
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...Chapter 5 terms | | adolescence | the transition period between childhood and adulthood. | | | | Alzheimer's disease | a degenerative disease marked by progressive cognitive decline and characterized by a collection of symptoms, including confusion, memory loss, mood swings, and eventual loss of physical function. | | | | animistic thinking | belief that inanimate objects are alive. | | | | anxious-avoidant | attachment style characterized by infants who stay calm when their primary caregiver leaves and who ignore and avoid her when she returns. | | | | anxious-resistant attachment | attachment style characterized by infants who are ambivalent when separated and reunited with their caregiver. | | | | attachment | the strong emotional connection that develops early in life between infants and their caregivers. | | | | concrete operational stage | Piaget's third stage of cognitive development, which spans ages 6–11, during which the child can perform mental operations—such as reversing—on real objects or events. | | | | conservation | recognition that when some properties (such as shape) of an object change, other properties (such as volume) remain constant. | | | | conventional level | the second level in Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning, during which the person values caring, trust, and relationships as well as the social order and lawfulness. | | | ...
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...Alcohol is said to affect the function of the placenta (125). Fetal alcohol syndrome is one disorder brought on by prenatal exposure to alcohol (125). Some of the defects that are associated with FAS is indicated by features such as an abnormally small head, along many disfigurements in the heart, face, joint and limbs, also including low birth weights (125). Some neurological damages may cause them to have seizures, be irritable, and hyperactive, and also learning development can be hindered by FAS (125). Harmful effects to a child when exposed to nicotine as a fetus can cause restrictions in growth and can also contribute to the risk of unexpected miscarriages and death. Also by the lack of oxygen going to the baby as the mother smokes, the babies respiratory system would suffer from severe complications. and...
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...Fetal alcohol syndrome is when a fetus is exposed to alcohol before birth. It can cause a variety of different problems. One of the most severe effects of drinking during pregnancy is fetal alcohol syndrome. FAS is one of the preventable causes of mental retardation and birth defects. If a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy the baby can be born with FAS, is a lifelong physically and mentally disability. FAS has distinctly abnormal facial features, a growth problem, and central neurological problems. People who suffer from FAS may either have problems have learning disabilities, memory, attention span, communication with others. These problems often lead to struggles in school or social problems like getting along with others. FAS is a lifelong condition. However...
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...Running Head: FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME 1 FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME 2 Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most recognizable form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). FAS is characterized by a pattern of minor facial anomalies, prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, and central nervous system abnormalities. Those born with FAS often have behavioral and learning difficulties. The consequences of the damages caused by the mother's drinking is lifelong (Wattendorf & Muenke, 2005). To date, there has been no extensive population-based studies done (Vaux & Chambers, 2012). However, data in one sample demonstrated that approximately 1 in 100 children have alcohol-related effects. In high-risk pregnancies, predicted incidences of fetal alcohol syndrome are approximate and differ because of varied definitions of heavy drinking and inconsistent methods of diagnosis. For this reason, rates range from 4% to as much as 44%.The estimation of FAS in the United States is 1-2 cases per 1000 live births (Wattendorf & Muenke, 2005) . Fetal alcohol exposure is the leading known cause of mental retardation in the Western world. The term Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was first published in a 1973 article in the British medical journal The...
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...Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Table of Contents Table of contents…………………………………………………………… | 2 | Introduction………………………………………………………………… | 3 | Definition of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)…………………………….. | 3 | Characteristics of FAS……………………………………………………… | 4 | Affect of FAS on babies……………………………………………………. | 5 | Affect of alcohol on the brain……………………………………………… | 6 | The role the South African context has played in FAS…………………….| 7 | Conclusion………………………………………………………………….. | 8 | REFERENCES | 9 | Appendix A…………………………………………………………………. | 11 | Appendix B…………………………………………………………………. | 12 | Appendix C…………………………………………………………………. | 13 | | | Introduction South Africa has the highest rate of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in the world! The draft South African liquor bill released on Monday 6th February 2012 will prohibit the sale of alcohol to pregnant women if it is passed. It is the first time that the South African government has proposed legislation to assist controlling the alcohol intake of women. (“Liquor Surprise for Pregnant Women,” 2012) But is this enough to meaningfully diminish the consumption of alcohol by pregnant women in South Africa? Within this context the following questions will be addressed: What is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome? How is FAS characterised? How is a baby affected by Foetal Alcohol Syndrome? How does alcohol affect the brain? What kind of role has the South African...
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