Variables Affecting FASD
Prenatal alcohol consumption does not ALWAYS result in neurological damage.
Variables:
- dose (amount of alcohol)
- timing (stage of pregnancy)
- genetic factors (mother and baby) (some ethnic groups are more susceptible)
- metabolic factors (mother and baby)(some individuals have reduced enzymes to breakdown
alcohol)
Some other factors:
- maternal weight
- fetal weight
- cell development at time of alcohol exposure
- age of mother
- maternal use of cigarettes & other toxins
- oxygen deprivation due to maternal liver dysfunction
Some heavy drinkers do not produce FASD babies while some light drinkers do.
The critical factors or combination of factors has not been determined.
Ethanol Crosses the placenta freely.
WHEN A PREGNANT WOMAN DRINKS ALCOHOL – SO DOES HER BABY!