Reference to the harmful effects of maternal drinking on infant outcome date back to biblical times (Susan, A., & Deborah, E., n.d). Detrimental effects caused by consuming alcohol during pregnancy have been scientifically documented since the late 1800s (The neurodevelopmental consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure, 2005). 1899 was the earliest recorded observation of possible links between maternal alcohol use and foetal damage (Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, n.d). In 1968 Dr. Paul Lemoine conducted an examination over 127 children who came from French families with chronic alcoholism in at least one parent. The children examined suffered facial abnormalities, a range of cognitive defects, such as low IQ, hyperactivity and developmental delays in motor coordination and language skills (The discovery of foetal alcohol syndrome, 2013). In 1988 a US federal-level Surgeon General’s warning was issued, cautioning against drinking while pregnant (The discovery of foetal alcohol syndrome, 2013). The warning was required to be displayed on all alcoholic products (The discovery of foetal alcohol syndrome, 2013).
Below is a photo of the warning that was displayed on alcoholic products:
Image retrieved from:
Warning label from alcoholic beverages.It has been found that while around 65 percent of pregnant woman will drink alcohol during some point of their pregnancy only 52 percent stated they avoided alcohol altogether during their entire pregnancy (Brainwave, 2010). These statistics have increased 9 percent over the past ten years (Brainwave, 2010). The Ministry of Education has recommended that women who are currently pregnant or planning to soon become pregnant should avoid alcohol completely (Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder reaching pandemic proportions, 2014). Brainwave (2014) reinforces this idea by stating that “if pregnant women do not consume alcohol there will be no cases of FASD” (para. 23). However, it still seems that cases and numbers of infants being diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome is increasing. According to many newspaper articles women in countries other than New Zealand have been criminalised for using alcohol or other damaging substances during their pregnancy.
Below is a link related to this issue:
Criminalizing pregnant women
The facial abnormalities mentioned earlier include defects such as wide set eyes and narrow eyes (Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, 2014). Other facial abnormalities or physical defects may include, small head circumference, flattened check bones and an indistinct philtrum, which is an underdeveloped groove between the nose and upper lip (foetal alcohol syndrome, 2011).
Below are some images of these facial abnormalities:
Image retrieved from: Foetal alcohol syndrome - facial features
Image retrieved from: Child with foetal alcohol syndrome
It is important to remember that there are many positive characteristics of children who have foetal alcohol syndrome. Children with foetal alcohol syndrome are often, friendly, cheerful, loving and affection people. They are often concerned for others, they are compassionate, kind, caring, gentle and often very nurturing to younger children. Children with foetal alcohol syndrome are often funny with a great sense of humor. They are highly verbal and often have a great story to tell. (Healthy Child Manitoba, 2010). It is of high importance that early childhood teachers and anybody working with children diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome remember these positive characteristics especially when they feel like things are getting hard.
I really enjoyed reading your blog on Foetal alcohol syndrome. I found it interesting to know that it was unrecognised until 1973 and originally was a known as a tragic disorder. Also how in New Zealand have 3000 children that are born with this syndrome.
ReplyDelete