EFFECTS OF FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME Research Paper

EFFECTS OF FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME - Research Paper Example Collectively, the range of disorders is known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).† (Mayo clinic staff) Fetal alcohol exposure is the leading known cause of many mental problems in the western world. It is difficult for the westerners to avoid liquor completely from their daily routine food habits because of the climatic conditions and the cultural peculiarities. Drug/alcohol addiction is one of the curses for the western countries. â€Å"Its estimated that each year in the United States, 1 in every 750 infants is born with a pattern of physical, developmental, and functional problems referred to as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), while another 40,000 are born with fetal alcohol effects (FAE)† (Fetal alcohol syndrome) There is no scientific support for the type of widespread hysteria that permeates public discussion on fetal alcohol syndrome. (Prof. Hanson) Though the fact, excessive use of alcohol during pregnancy can cause problems to the child, proved beyond doubts, there are still doubts about the results of normal usages of drinks during pregnancy period. Many people still believe that a single drink daily may not cause many problems to the offspring even at the pregnancy period. â€Å"When you drink alcohol, it enters your bloodstream and reaches your developing fetus by crossing the placenta. Because a fetus metabolizes alcohol more slowly than an adult does, your developing babys blood alcohol concentrations are higher than those in your body. The presence of alcohol can impair optimal nutrition for your babys developing tissues and organs and can damage brain cells.† (Mayo clinic staff) A person’s important phase of development is his childhood before and after birth. All his future personalities will depend on his personal health both physical and mental during this period. If the brain cells damaged during childhood it is difficult to replace it and hence problems can occur at later stages. Low birth weight, small