Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

If an expectant mother drinks alcohol while pregnant, she and her child may experience a host of negative consequences, including mental and physical birth defects. Aside from just Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, babies who are exposed to alcohol in the womb can sustain a number of FASDs or "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders". It is estimated, according to March of Dimes, that up to 40,000 babies are born with FASDs every year. It is important for mothers to understand that even light or moderate drinking can lead to these disorders so it would be advised that they abstain from alcohol altogether during that nine month period.

When a pregnant woman drinks, the alcohol passes through the placenta and goes directly to the fetus. Because the baby cannot process the alcohol as well as a full-grown adult, the contents remain in the blood for a longer period of time and can lead to lifelong damage. If you were unaware of the dangers of alcohol to your unborn child because of physician neglect or incorrect advice, you may be able to bring your case to court on the basis of medical malpractice. To learn more, contact an attorney right away.

Some of the mental and physical effects alcohol can have on a newborn include:

Mental retardation
Learning, emotional, and behavioral problems
Defects involving the heart, face, and other organs
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
Increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or stillbirth

Doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners have a professional responsibility to provide an optimal level of care to all patients that they interact with. This includes giving accurate, timely advice regarding behaviors that should be avoided during pregnancy. If your doctor fails to provide you with the medical information you need to have a safe and healthy pregnancy, he or she may be guilty of medical malpractice.

To learn more about medical malpractice and your rights as a victim, visit the web site of the Philadelphia birth injury lawyers from Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today.