Fetal alcohol syndrome isn't a single birth defect. It's a cluster or pattern of related problems. The severity of signs and symptoms varies, with some children experiencing them to a far greater degree than others. Moreover, the facial features seen with fetal alcohol syndrome may also occur in normal, healthy children. Facial features of fetal alcohol syndrome are especially difficult to identify in preschool-age children. Distinguishing normal facial features from signs of fetal alcohol syndrome in children of varying ethnic backgrounds requires the expertise of a doctor. Signs of fetal alcohol syndrome may include:
Distinctive facial features, including small eyelid openings, a sunken nasal bridge, an exceptionally thin upper lip, a short, upturned nose and a smooth skin surface between the nose and upper lip
Small teeth with faulty enamel
Heart defects
Deformities of joints, limbs and fingers
Slow physical growth before and after birth
Vision difficulties including nearsightedness (myopia)
Small head circumference and brain size (microcephaly)
Mental retardation and delayed development
Abnormal behavior such as a short attention span, hyperactivity, poor impulse control, extreme nervousness and anxiety
Doctors may use other terms to describe some of the signs of fetal alcohol syndrome. Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) refers to the mental and behavioral impairments that occur as a result of fetal exposure to alcohol. Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBDs) refer to the physical defects that occur from fetal alcohol exposure.