Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is caused by drinking during pregnancy. The alcohol that you drink goes through your bloodstream and reaches your pēpi through the placenta. This causes a high blood alcohol level in your pēpi and it takes longer for the alcohol to break down.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder can cause a range of physical, developmental, and behavioural issues.

Most people do not have any obvious physical changes so it is a hidden disorder.

Physical development issues

Physical development issues can include:

• facial features such as small eyes, very thin upper lip, flat nose bridge and smooth skin between the nose and upper lip
• slow growth before and after birth
• problems with seeing
• problems with hearing or hearing loss
• smaller brain or head size.

Developmental issues

Developmental issues can include:

• delayed development with sitting, talking and walking
• intellectual or learning disabilities
• poor judgement skills
• short attention span
• difficulty organising or planning.

Behavioural development issues

Behavioural development issues can include:

• difficulty functioning in everyday life like telling time, looking after yourself and staying safe
• trouble getting along with others
• trouble dealing with change
• issues with emotions
• issues with controlling actions
• being easily taken advantage of
• moods that change quickly.

If a child has been exposed to alcohol before birth and there are concerns about their learning, behaviour, social or emotional functioning, it is important to get an assessment for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Your usual healthcare provider can refer you to trained healthcare services to carry out a full assessment. This will cover a wide range of brain functions, as well as checking for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms or be present, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

There are detailed New Zealand guidelines that are used in making a diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Not everyone who is exposed to alcohol before birth is able to be diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. But, they may still have impairments caused by alcohol. 

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder cannot be treated but it can be managed. A range of services are available to help with physical, developmental and behavioural issues.

To prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder do not drink alcohol:

• if you are trying to get pregnant
• at any time during your pregnancy.