Symptoms

The severity of fetal alcohol syndrome symptoms varies, with some children experiencing them to a far greater degree than others. Signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome may include any mix of physical defects, intellectual or cognitive disabilities, and problems functioning and coping with daily life.

Physical defects

Physical defects may include:

• Distinctive facial features, including small eyes, an exceptionally thin upper lip, a short, upturned nose, and a smooth skin surface between the nose and upper lip
• Deformities of joints, limbs and fingers
• Slow physical growth before and after birth
• Vision difficulties or hearing problems
• Small head circumference and brain size
• Heart defects and problems with kidneys and bones

Brain and central nervous system problems

Problems with the brain and central nervous system may include:

• Poor coordination or balance
• Intellectual disability, learning disorders and delayed development
• Poor memory
• Trouble with attention and with processing information
• Difficulty with reasoning and problem-solving
• Difficulty identifying consequences of choices
• Poor judgment skills
• Jitteriness or hyperactivity
• Rapidly changing moods

Social and behavioral issues

Problems in functioning, coping and interacting with others may include:

• Difficulty in school
• Trouble getting along with others
• Poor social skills
• Trouble adapting to change or switching from one task to another
• Problems with behavior and impulse control
• Poor concept of time
• Problems staying on task
• Difficulty planning or working toward a goal

When to see a doctor

If you're pregnant and can't stop drinking, ask your obstetrician, primary care doctor or mental health professional for help.

Because early diagnosis may help reduce the risk of long-term problems for children with fetal alcohol syndrome, let your child's doctor know if you drank alcohol while you were pregnant. Don't wait for problems to arise before seeking help.

If you have adopted a child or are providing foster care, you may not know if the biological mother drank alcohol while pregnant � and it may not initially occur to you that your child may have fetal alcohol syndrome. However, if your child has problems with learning and behavior, talk with his or her doctor so that the underlying cause might be identified.