Treatment:

Women who are pregnant or who are trying to get pregnant should avoid drinking any amount of alcohol. Pregnant women with alcoholism should join an alcohol abuse rehabilitation program and be checked closely by a health care provider throughout pregnancy.

Support Groups:

The following organizations may offer assistance:

• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency -- www.ncadd.org/affiliates/affil.html
• National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service -- 1-800-662-4357

See also: Alcoholism - support group

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome for infants with fetal alcohol syndrome varies depending on the extent of symptoms, but almost none have normal brain development.

Infants and children with fetal alcohol syndrome have many different problems, which can be difficult to manage. Heart defects may require surgery. There is no effective therapy for mental retardation.

Complications:

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may result in:

• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Premature delivery

Complications seen in the infant may include:

• Abnormal heart or problems with other organs
• Future hyperactive behavior and learning disabilities
• Infant death
• Mental retardation
• Problems in the structure of the head, eyes, nose, or mouth
• Slow growth and poor coordination
• Small gestational age

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are drinking alcohol regularly or heavily, and are finding it difficult to cut back or stop. Also, call if you are drinking alcohol in any amount while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.