Characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Some of the common fetal alcohol syndrome characteristics include abnormal facial features, growth deficiency, and central nervous system problems. Over time, children with the condition are at risk for psychiatric problems, criminal behavior, unemployment, and incomplete education. If a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, but her child does not have all of the signs of this condition, it is possible that her child may have another fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Information on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Signs and Characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: An Overview

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is one of the leading known preventable causes of mental retardation and birth defects. The characteristics of FAS include:

Abnormal facial features
Growth deficiency
Central nervous system (CNS) problems.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a permanent condition. It affects every aspect of an individual's life and the lives of his or her family.

(Milder forms of fetal alcohol syndrome share several of these characteristics. Click Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder to learn more about these conditions.)

Common Facial Characteristics

Fetal alcohol syndrome often causes facial characteristics that may include:

Low nasal bridge
Short nose
Indistinct philtrum (groove between nose and upper lip)
Small head circumference
Small eye opening
Small midface
Thin upper lip.

Growth Deficiency Characteristics

Children with the condition might have the following characteristics with regards to growth and development:

Small size for gestational age or small stature in relation to peers
Small head or facial/dental anomalies
Heart defects or other organ dysfunction
Deformities of joints, limbs, and fingers
Vision or hearing problems.

(Characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Continued: Page 2)