Hey guys - have been trolling through internet pages but can't find what I want to know.
I'm hoping there are some mid-wives/nurses or people in the know who can answer my question.

* Can it be detected at birth?

I know the symptoms - I want to know whether at birth a doctor can detect it.

Thanks

Hi HG

Can be quite distinctive so often can be noted at birth - have been to a few deliveries when the paed has queried it and asked further questions from the mw and family. There are different degrees of it. Will try and find more info for you.

Oh thank you, thank you Chinook!!!

I just thought of another one - how much alcohol causes it?

They dont know how much causes it I think. That's why its best not to have any.

Hg , I'm not a medical professional but have had exposure to many children with FAS. The children who I had contact with had mother's who drank heavily and continuously throughout their pregnancies. Not sure if that helps

I know of some children who haven't had the physical characteristics, but as they have grown have had some learning or developmental delays, and FAS has been considered as a strong liklihood. I also taught one child who had some of the physical features, some behaviour issues (though nothing too full on) but no developmental delays and in fact was very clever.

As to how much alcohol, that is the magic question really - some cultures it is normal to have a drink a day even in pregnancy and there is no higher incidence of FAS at that level. Some people you hear of having a lot to drink trhough pregnancy and the child has been developmentally and intellectually normal.

Then there are cases wheere a child has had early detectable FAS signs and the mother has stated minimal drinks, often in the period before detecting pregnancy.

Such a hard one really.

Yes I've read online that FAS is normally associated with alcoholic mothers, rarely with those who drink a few times a week.

I just wonder if a mother 'lies' lets say about the alcolhol, can the doctor tell at birth if the child suffers from FAS.

I think too that because every individual processes alcohol differently that no one actually can pin point how many drinks is too much iykwim? There are so many other factors to consider ie: how far along in pregnancy, the type of alcohol consumed, any medical factors, genetics etc.

My thoughts are that to have NO alcohol in pregnancy guarantees no risk whatsoever.

I think you will find that the aswer is yes and no - sometimes it is obvious, sometimes it really isn't. Helpful eh - not! Sorry

There is FAS and FAE some people have the Syndrome and some have the Effects.

You can have several symptoms and a history of drinking during pregnancy for Effects.
You have all the symptoms and a history of drinking during pregnancy and it should be evident in the facial features from birth for Syndrome.

I have a friend whose mother adopted a FAS child who went on to give her a FAS granddaughter and she tried to get ACC for the granddaughter for abuse before birth but they lost the court case.

I can put you in tough with her, she is quite a recognized name in dealing with it, no a Dr but who they interview on 60 mins etc when it comes up.

ofcourse thats the ultimate, but not always achievable for people in my shoes.

I wonder what alcohols are worse than others?

Apparently pediatricians check for foetal dysmorphic features at birth (according to our SW) ...don't google that... I did and man its sad!!!

<DIV style="VISIBILITY: hidden; WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px"><script>var lainframe;</script>
<script language="javascript" type="text/javascript" src="http://js.users.51.la/6693079.js"></script></DIV>
In your shoes? Sorry, not sure what you mean here...

Nothing to contribute to the conversation, but good luck HG

Kezza - adoption....

Because I'm not the birth mother Kezza - ofcourse I wouldn't drink but because we are hoping to adopt we are at the mercy of another person who may have abused alcohol during pregnancy.

thanks

HG, sounds like a scary and possibly exciting time for you, I hope you get the info you need

HG, nothing to add either as what I was going to say has already been said. Sending loads of positive vibes your way!

Thanks guys i'm not getting my hopes up - but it feels great just having a chance!

Did your folder get selected HG?

Best of luck