Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:
When I did my research I focused on four main articles to get the best and most information as possible. Below I listed a definition of FAS from each source, describe the sources, and their credibility. The last definition is in my own words.
- "The term 'fetal alcohol syndrome' was coined 35 years ago to describe the triad of dysmorphic facial features, impaired growth and central nervous system abnormalities" Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy and its Effects on the Neurodevelopment: What is Known and What Remains Uncertain, this article was written at the University of Oxford in Oxford UK by Ron Gray, Raja A.S. Mukherjee, and Michael Rutter. I think this is a credible source because it was written at a University, and is from the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit.
- "Alcohol is now known as the leading preventable cause of birth defects and development disorders." I got the quote from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Research Challenges and Opportunities by: Kenneth R. Warren, Brenda G. Hewitt, and Jennifer D. Thomas. This is a credible source that I found on the Ebsco search engine. I believe it is credible because it was written by doctors.
- "Prenatal alcohol consumption is associated with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which can be a prelude of negative outcomes for children in the areas of intelligence, problem behaviors, and overall dysmorphology" This came from Nursing and Health Sciences, the article is Prenatal Alcohol Consumption and Knowledge About Alcohol Consumption and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Korean Women by: Kim Oksoo and Kyungil Park. This is a credible source because it was written by nurses with their doctorate and work for the Division of Nursing Science.
- "Full FAS is defined by evidence of prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, central nervous system dysfunction (e.g. neurocognitive deficits, learning disability, mental retardation) specific facial dysmorphology (e.g. short palperbal fissures, flattened philtrum and thin upper lip) and a history of prenatal alcohol exposure." Raising a Child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Hearing the Parents Voice by: Teresa Whitehurst, she is an Independent Research Consultant. I believe this article credible because it is published in the British Journal of Learning Disabilities.
- Fetal alcohol syndrome is the mother drinking while being pregnant. This affects the fetus because everything the mother is drinking is also going to the child, alcohol slows down the development of the child and will cause permanent birth defects.