In light of the recent news reports on the DUI charge picked up by a Hillsborough County woman who was in her third trimester of pregnancy, this article deals with the sensitive topic of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Although experts debate whether there is any safe level of alcohol intake for a pregnant woman, it is undisputed that higher levels of alcohol consumption can be extremely detrimental to the fetus.
The Surgeon General recommends that women not drink at all during their pregnancies. High consumption of alcohol can cause a baby to be born with a disorder known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The primary damage caused by alcohol to a fetus is to the central nervous system. The brain is particularly affected and FAS often causes serious developmental disabilities and even mental retardation. Brain cells suffer serious damage while developing. The damage extends to lifelong difficulties for people with FAS.
Brain damage related to alcohol consumption by the mother can occur throughout the pregnancy, because the brain continues developing through the third trimester. People with FAS may not remember events well, have difficulty with logical reasoning, and suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder. They may also display specific physical development characteristics, as well, such as growth deficiency and certain facial characteristics in the eyes, nose, and mouth.
FAS was first recognized in 1842, although it would be over a century before medical researchers began to understand the full ramifications. Some researchers believe that the term Fetal Alcohol Syndrome makes childhood diagnosis more difficult, because parents are less likely to cooperate due to the stigma and that fact that the name of the syndrome indicates that it is preventable.
People with FAS often develop problems with the law. Of those aged 12 years or older, sixty percent reported having had criminal issues. Now, doctors and social workers strive to provide people with FAS earlier diagnoses and broader social services whenever possible, to avoid criminal activity, excessive difficulty in school, and other problems.
If you have been charged with driving under the influence in the Tampa bay area, contact the Tampa DUI defense lawyers at Musca Law as soon as possible.
The Surgeon General recommends that women not drink at all during their pregnancies. High consumption of alcohol can cause a baby to be born with a disorder known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The primary damage caused by alcohol to a fetus is to the central nervous system. The brain is particularly affected and FAS often causes serious developmental disabilities and even mental retardation. Brain cells suffer serious damage while developing. The damage extends to lifelong difficulties for people with FAS.
Brain damage related to alcohol consumption by the mother can occur throughout the pregnancy, because the brain continues developing through the third trimester. People with FAS may not remember events well, have difficulty with logical reasoning, and suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder. They may also display specific physical development characteristics, as well, such as growth deficiency and certain facial characteristics in the eyes, nose, and mouth.
FAS was first recognized in 1842, although it would be over a century before medical researchers began to understand the full ramifications. Some researchers believe that the term Fetal Alcohol Syndrome makes childhood diagnosis more difficult, because parents are less likely to cooperate due to the stigma and that fact that the name of the syndrome indicates that it is preventable.
People with FAS often develop problems with the law. Of those aged 12 years or older, sixty percent reported having had criminal issues. Now, doctors and social workers strive to provide people with FAS earlier diagnoses and broader social services whenever possible, to avoid criminal activity, excessive difficulty in school, and other problems.
If you have been charged with driving under the influence in the Tampa bay area, contact the Tampa DUI defense lawyers at Musca Law as soon as possible.
