Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders may be more prevalent than thought

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders may be more prevalent than thought


To drink or not to drink? That is the question.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a bit of a controversial topic. Many U.S. doctors and health leaders eschew the practice as a dangerous taboo, while Europeans are more divided.

Proponents of either stance should be interested in a newly published paper from the journal Pediatrics. The study looked at first-graders from one U.S. city, testing them for signs of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, called F-A-S-D.

These disorders vary greatly in severity and scope. According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these disorders include learning and attention problems, as well as birth defects that affect the heart, kidneys and skeletal system, among other things. Growth problems, nervous system problems or even death are also possibilities.

The researchers evaluated the kids themselves in two categories. They looked at growth and body development, along with cognitive and behavioral measures. In addition, the scientists also gathered information from the children’s mothers about drinking habits during pregnancy.

For that particular city, the researchers estimated that anywhere from 24 to 48 out of every 1,000 children were affected. The scientists say that rate is much higher than previous estimates.

One reason may be a difference in the method used to count cases of F-A-S-D. This study employed more interaction with the children, which is seen as a better technique than the clinical or data-based methods used in many other studies.

Research on F-A-S-D should continue so women can better understand the risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant.

It seems the obstetricians may be right: moms-to-be should stay away from the chardonnay.

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