Thier are many different kinds of child abuse such as
Physical abuse, which is 19% of all substantiated cases of child abuse, is the most visible form of abuse and may be defined as any act which results in a non-accidental trauma or physical injury. Inflicted physical injury most often represents unreasonable, severe corporal punishment or unjustifiable punishment. This usually happens when a frustrated or angry parent strikes, shakes or throws a child. Physical abuse injuries result from punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning or otherwise harming a child. While any of these injuries can occur accidentally when a child is at play, physical abuse should be suspected if the explanations do not fit the injury or if a pattern of frequency is apparent. The longer the abuse continues, the more serious the injuries to the child and the more difficult it is to eliminate the abusive behavior.
Physical Indicators of Abuse
BRUISES
BURNS
LACERATIONS & ABRASIONS
SKELETAL INJURIES
HEAD INJURIES
INTERNAL INJURIES
On body posterior
Immersion burns: doughnut-shaped on the buttocks
On Lips, eyes, infants face
Fractures of long bones from twising and pulling
Missing or loosened teeth
Intestinal injuries from hitting or kicking
Unusual patterns
Cigarette burns: hands, feet
On gum tissue, caused by forced feeding
Separation of bone and shaft
Absence of hair
Rupture of heart-related blood vessels
In clusters
Rope burns from confinement
On external genitals
Detachment of tissue of bone and shaft
Hemorrhaging beneath scalp from hair pulling
Inflammation of abdominal area
On infants
Dry burns, caused by iron
Spiral fractures
Subdural/retinal hemorrhages from hitting or shaking
Multiples in various stages of healing
Stiff, swollen, enlarged joints
Nasal or jaw fracture
Emotional abuse, which is 8% of all substantiated cases of child abuse, is commonly defined as the systematic tearing down of another human being. It is considered a pattern of behavior that can seriously interfere with a child's positive development. Emotional abuse is probably the least understood of all child abuse, yet it is the most prevalent, and can be the cruelest and most destructive of all types of abuse.
Because emotional abuse attacks the child's psyche and self-concept, the victim comes to see him or herself as unworthy of love and affection. Children who are constantly shamed, humiliated, terrorized or rejected suffer at least as much, if not more, than if they had been physically assaulted.
An infant who is being severely deprived of basic emotional nurturing, even though physically well cared for, can fail to thrive and can eventually die. Less severe forms of early emotional deprivation may produce babies who grow into anxious and insecure children who are slow to develop or who might have low self-esteem.
Types of Emotional Abuse:
1] Rejecting -- Parents who lack the ability to bond will often display rejecting behavior toward a child. They tell a child in a variety of ways that he or she is unwanted. They may also tell the child to leave, call him or her names and tell the child he or she is worthless. They may not talk to or hold the young child as he or she grows. The child may become the family scapegoat, being blamed for all the family's problems.
2] Ignoring -- Adults who have had few of their emotional needs met are often unable to respond to the needs of their children. They may not show attachment to the child or provide nurturance. They may show no interest in the child, express affection or even recognize the child's presence. Many times the parent is physically there but emotionally unavailable.
3] Terrorizing -- Parents may single out one child to criticize and punish. They may ridicule him or her for displaying normal emotions and have expectations far beyond his or her normal abilities. The child may be threatened with death, mutilation or abandonment.
4] Isolating -- A parent who abuses a child through isolation may not allow the child to engage in appropriate activities with his or her peers; may keep a baby in his or her room, not exposed to stimulation; or may prevent teenagers from participating in extracurricular activities. Parents may require the child to stay in his or her room from the time school lets out until the next morning, or restrict eating to isolation or seclusion.
5] Corrupting -- Parents permit children to use drugs or alcohol; to watch cruel behavior toward animals; to watch pornographic materials and adult sex acts; or to witness or participate in criminal activities such as stealing, assault, prostitution, gambling, etc.
What are the effects of emotional abuse?
Other types of abuse are usually identifiable because marks or other physical evidence is left, however, emotional abuse can be very hard to diagnose or even to define. In some instances, an emotionally abused child will show no signs of abuse. For this reason, emotional abuse is the most difficult form of child maltreatment to identify and stop. This type of abuse leaves hidden scars that manifest themselves in numerous ways. Insecurity, poor self-esteem, destructive behavior, angry acts (such as fire setting or cruelty to animals), withdrawal, poor development of basic skills, alcohol or drug abuse, suicide and difficulty forming relationships can all be possible results of emotional abuse.
sexual abuseIt is very difficult for most people to talk about sexual abuse and even more difficult for society as a whole to acknowledge that the sexual abuse of children of all ages -- including infants -- happens everyday in the United States. It is no an easy phenomenon to define, primarily because permissible childhood behavior varies in accordance with cultural, family and social tolerances. Sexual abuse, which is 10% of all substantiated cases of child abuse, is defined as the involvement of dependent, developmentally immature children in sexual activities that they do not fully comprehend and therefore to which they are unable to give informed consent and/or which violates the taboos of society.
Sexual abuse is any misuse of a child for sexual pleasure or gratification. It has the potential to interfere with a child's normal, healthy development, both emotionally and physically. Often, sexually victimized children experience severe emotional disturbances from their own feelings of guilt and shame, as well as the feelings which society imposes on them.
At the extreme end of the spectrum, sexual abuse includes sexual intercourse and/or its deviations. These behaviors may be the final acts in a worsening pattern of sexual abuse. For this reason and because of their devastating effects, exhibitionism, fondling and any other sexual contact with children are also considered sexually abusive.
Nontouching sexual abuse offenses include:» Indecent exposure/exhibitionism» Exposing children to pornographic material» Deliberately exposing a child to the act of sexual intercourse» Masterbation in front of a child
Touching sexual offenses include:» Fondling» Making a child touch an adult's sexual organs» Any penetration of a child's vagina or anus by an object that doesn't have a medical purpose
Sexual exploitation offenses include:» Engaging a child for the purposes of prostitution» Using a child to film, photograph or model pornography
What should I look for if I suspect a child is being sexually abuse?
YOUNGER CHILDREN
PREPUBERTY AND TEENAGE
OLDER CHILDREN
PHYSICAL INDICATORS
Compulsive masterbation
Stealing
Suicide attempts
Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia
Bed-wetting, soiling
Running away
Early marriage
Complains of pain or itching in genitalia
Excessive curiosity about sex
Starting fires
Running away
Difficulty in sitting or walking
Altered sleep patterns
Excessive bathing
Pregnancy
Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
Learning problems
Being withdrawn and passive
Substance abuse
Sexually transmitted diseases
Separation anxiety
Girls pulling up skirts
Getting in trouble with legal system
Pregnancy, especially in early adolescence
Overly compulsive behavior
Sexual inference in school artwork
Developing fears and phobias
Teaching others how to masterbate
Sexual acting out with peers
Becoming aggressive toward peers
Becoming nonverbal
Succumbing to periods of deep depression
Developing tension symptoms -- stomach aches, skin disorders
Falling grades
Becoming seductive
Alcohol or drug abuse
Child neglect, which is 63% of all substantiated cases of child abuse, is the most common form of child maltreatment reported to child protective services. It is defined as a "type of maltreatment that refers to the failure to provide needed age-appropriate care," such as shelter, food, clothing, education, supervision, medical care and other basic necessities needed for development of physical, intellectual and emotional capacities. Unlike physical and sexual abuse, neglect is usually typified by an ongoing pattern of inadequate care and is readily observed by individuals in close contact with the child. Physicians, nurses, day care personnel, relatives and neighbors are frequently the ones to suspect and report neglected infants, toddlers and preschool children.
The types of neglect:
Physical neglect -- accounts for the majority of cases of maltreatment. The definition includes the refusal of or extreme delay in seeking necessary health care, child abandonment, inadequate supervision, rejection of a child leading to expulsion from the home, and failing to adequately provide for the child's safety and physical and emotional needs. Physical neglect can severely impact a child's development by causing failure to thrive, malnutrition; serious illnesses; physical harm in the form of cuts, bruises and burns due to lack of supervision and a lifetime of low self-esteem.
Educational neglect -- occurs when a child is allowed to engage in chronic truancy, is of mandatory school age but not enrolled in school or receiving needed special educational training. Educational neglect can lead to underachievement in acquiring necessary basic skills, dropping out of school and/or continually disruptive behavior.
Emotional neglect -- includes such actions as chronic or extreme spousal abuse in the child's presence, allowing a child to use drugs or alcohol, refusal or failure to provide needed psychological care, constant belittling and withholding of affection. This pattern of behavior can lead to poor self-image, alcohol or drug abuse, destructive behavior and even suicide. Severe neglect of infants can result in the infant failing to grow and thrive and may even lead to infant death.
Medical neglect -- is the failure to provide appropriate health care for a child although financially able to do so. In some cases, a parent or caretaker will withhold traditional medical care during the practice of religious beliefs. These cases generally do not fall under the definition of medical neglect, however, some states will obtain a court order forcing medical treatment of a child in order to save a child's life or prevent life-threatening injury resulting from the lack of treatment. Medical neglect can result in poor overall health and compounded medical problems.
Shaken Baby Syndrome?When a baby is vigorously shaken, the head moves back and forth. This sudden whiplash motion can cause bleeding inside the head and increased pressure on the brain, causing the brain to pull apart and resulting in injury to the baby. This is known as Shaken Baby Syndrome, and is one of the leading forms of fatal child abuse. A baby's head and neck are susceptible to head trauma because his or her muscles are not fully developed and the brain tissue is exceptionally fragile. Head trauma is the leading cause of disability among abused infants and children.
Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs most frequently in infants younger than six months old, yet can occur up to the age of three. Often there are no obvious outward signs if inside injury, particularly in the head or behind the eyes. In reality, shaking a baby, if only for a few seconds, can injure the baby for life. These injuries can include brain swelling and damage; cerebral palsy; mental retardation; developmental delays; blindness; hearing loss; paralysis and death. When a child is shaken in anger and frustration, the force is multiplied five or 10 times than it would be if the child had simply tripped and fallen.
How does it happen?Often frustrated parents or other persons responsible for a child's care feel that shaking a baby is a harmless way to make a child stop crying. The number one reason a baby is shaken is because of inconsolable crying. Almost 25 percent of all babies with Shaken Baby Syndrome die. It is estimated that 25-50 percent of parents and caretakers aren't aware of the effects of shaking a baby.
What can you do to prevent a tragedy?If you or someone else shakes a baby, either accidentally or on purpose, call 911 or take the child to the emergency room immediately. Bleeding in side the brain can be treated. Immediate medical attention will save your baby many future problems . . . and possible the baby's life.
Other Suggestions for Parents
Never throw or shake a baby
Always provide support for the baby's head and neck
Place the baby in a crib, leave the room for a few minutes
Sit down, close your eyes and count to 20
Take the baby for a stroller ride
Play music, or sing to the baby
Ask a friend to "take over" for a while
Don't pick the baby up until you feel calm
Make sure the baby is fed, burped and dry
Gently rock or walk the baby
Check for discomfort of diaper rash, teething or fever
Call the doctor if you think the baby is sick
Make sure clothing is not too tight
Give the baby a pacifier
Offer a noisy toy or rattle
Hug and cuddle the baby gently
Fetal alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a leading cause of mental retardation. FAS is a cluster of birth defects that develop in infants of women who consume alcoholic beverages while pregnant. Defects include prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency, facial malformations, central nervous system dysfunction and varying degrees of major organ malfunctions. When mothers drink alcohol while pregnant, their babies could have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE). FAS and FAE are a group of birth defects that have no cure. People with FAS and FAE have a range of problems as severe as being mentally retarded to less visible problems like difficulty paying attention in school. The diagnosed cases of FAS is estimated to be one to three per 1,000 live births. One in 100 Americans is affected by FAS/FAE. There is no know safe amount of alcohol for a pregnant woman. When a woman drinks, her baby drinks because the alcohol passes directly through the placenta to the baby.
Symptoms of FAS
> Infancy: low birth weight irritability, feeding difficulties, sleep disturbances, alcohol withdrawal, strong startle reflex> Facial malformations: small eye slits, thin upper lip, low nasal ridge, small jaw>Neurological dysfunction: attention deficit, memory deficit, hyperactivity, difficulty with abstract concepts and problem solving>Organ/ body dysfunction: muscle problems, bone and joint problems, genital defects, heart defects, kidney defects> Mental retardation, developmental delays> Behavioral problems> Growth deficiencies> Vision problems> Dental abnormalities> Hearing problems> Epilepsy
During pregnancy, how much alcohol is too much?
No level of drinking has been proven safe. The pattern of FAS usually occurs in offspring of chronic alcohol abusers, most often in women who drink four to five drinks daily or more. However, it has occurred in women who drink less. FAE can occur in babies of women who drink moderately or lightly during pregnancy. Binge drinking of more than five drinks on any occasion is one of the strongest predictors of later behavioral and learning problems, developmental delays and mental deficits in those prenatally exposed to alcohol.
FAS Facts
> FAS is a pattern of birth defects that result from drinking alcohol during pregnancy, It occurs in one out of every 750 births.> FAS is the number one known cause of mental retardation in the United States, and one of the three leading causes of birth defects. > Each year, more than 40,000 American babies are born with defects because their mother drank alcohol when pregnant.
What other problems can drinking during pregnancy cause?
Consuming alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, stillbirth and death in early infancy. Heavy drinkers are two to four times more likely to have a miscarriage between the fourth and sixth month of pregnancy than are nondrinkers. Heavy drinkers are also two to three times more likely to lose their babies during the perinatal period, from the 28th week of pregnancy through the first week after birth.
Can FAS be prevented?
Yes. FAS and FAE are both 100 percent preventable. When a woman stays away from alcohol during pregnancy, her baby will not have FAS or FAE. Women planning a pregnancy need to stop drinking alcohol before trying to conceive and should not drink throughout the pregnancy and nursing.Women who drink and have an unplanned pregnancy need to quit drinking as soon as they suspect they are pregnant. Heavy drinkers need to avoid pregnancy until they think they can stay away from alcohol for the nine months from conception to birth.
If you know or suspect that a child has been abused, neglected, or exploited, contact your local law enforcement and/or child protective services agency without delay. You also may call the toll-free child abuse hotline in your state, if one exists, or the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
Physical abuse, which is 19% of all substantiated cases of child abuse, is the most visible form of abuse and may be defined as any act which results in a non-accidental trauma or physical injury. Inflicted physical injury most often represents unreasonable, severe corporal punishment or unjustifiable punishment. This usually happens when a frustrated or angry parent strikes, shakes or throws a child. Physical abuse injuries result from punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning or otherwise harming a child. While any of these injuries can occur accidentally when a child is at play, physical abuse should be suspected if the explanations do not fit the injury or if a pattern of frequency is apparent. The longer the abuse continues, the more serious the injuries to the child and the more difficult it is to eliminate the abusive behavior.
Physical Indicators of Abuse
BRUISES
BURNS
LACERATIONS & ABRASIONS
SKELETAL INJURIES
HEAD INJURIES
INTERNAL INJURIES
On body posterior
Immersion burns: doughnut-shaped on the buttocks
On Lips, eyes, infants face
Fractures of long bones from twising and pulling
Missing or loosened teeth
Intestinal injuries from hitting or kicking
Unusual patterns
Cigarette burns: hands, feet
On gum tissue, caused by forced feeding
Separation of bone and shaft
Absence of hair
Rupture of heart-related blood vessels
In clusters
Rope burns from confinement
On external genitals
Detachment of tissue of bone and shaft
Hemorrhaging beneath scalp from hair pulling
Inflammation of abdominal area
On infants
Dry burns, caused by iron
Spiral fractures
Subdural/retinal hemorrhages from hitting or shaking
Multiples in various stages of healing
Stiff, swollen, enlarged joints
Nasal or jaw fracture
Emotional abuse, which is 8% of all substantiated cases of child abuse, is commonly defined as the systematic tearing down of another human being. It is considered a pattern of behavior that can seriously interfere with a child's positive development. Emotional abuse is probably the least understood of all child abuse, yet it is the most prevalent, and can be the cruelest and most destructive of all types of abuse.
Because emotional abuse attacks the child's psyche and self-concept, the victim comes to see him or herself as unworthy of love and affection. Children who are constantly shamed, humiliated, terrorized or rejected suffer at least as much, if not more, than if they had been physically assaulted.
An infant who is being severely deprived of basic emotional nurturing, even though physically well cared for, can fail to thrive and can eventually die. Less severe forms of early emotional deprivation may produce babies who grow into anxious and insecure children who are slow to develop or who might have low self-esteem.
Types of Emotional Abuse:
1] Rejecting -- Parents who lack the ability to bond will often display rejecting behavior toward a child. They tell a child in a variety of ways that he or she is unwanted. They may also tell the child to leave, call him or her names and tell the child he or she is worthless. They may not talk to or hold the young child as he or she grows. The child may become the family scapegoat, being blamed for all the family's problems.
2] Ignoring -- Adults who have had few of their emotional needs met are often unable to respond to the needs of their children. They may not show attachment to the child or provide nurturance. They may show no interest in the child, express affection or even recognize the child's presence. Many times the parent is physically there but emotionally unavailable.
3] Terrorizing -- Parents may single out one child to criticize and punish. They may ridicule him or her for displaying normal emotions and have expectations far beyond his or her normal abilities. The child may be threatened with death, mutilation or abandonment.
4] Isolating -- A parent who abuses a child through isolation may not allow the child to engage in appropriate activities with his or her peers; may keep a baby in his or her room, not exposed to stimulation; or may prevent teenagers from participating in extracurricular activities. Parents may require the child to stay in his or her room from the time school lets out until the next morning, or restrict eating to isolation or seclusion.
5] Corrupting -- Parents permit children to use drugs or alcohol; to watch cruel behavior toward animals; to watch pornographic materials and adult sex acts; or to witness or participate in criminal activities such as stealing, assault, prostitution, gambling, etc.
What are the effects of emotional abuse?
Other types of abuse are usually identifiable because marks or other physical evidence is left, however, emotional abuse can be very hard to diagnose or even to define. In some instances, an emotionally abused child will show no signs of abuse. For this reason, emotional abuse is the most difficult form of child maltreatment to identify and stop. This type of abuse leaves hidden scars that manifest themselves in numerous ways. Insecurity, poor self-esteem, destructive behavior, angry acts (such as fire setting or cruelty to animals), withdrawal, poor development of basic skills, alcohol or drug abuse, suicide and difficulty forming relationships can all be possible results of emotional abuse.
sexual abuseIt is very difficult for most people to talk about sexual abuse and even more difficult for society as a whole to acknowledge that the sexual abuse of children of all ages -- including infants -- happens everyday in the United States. It is no an easy phenomenon to define, primarily because permissible childhood behavior varies in accordance with cultural, family and social tolerances. Sexual abuse, which is 10% of all substantiated cases of child abuse, is defined as the involvement of dependent, developmentally immature children in sexual activities that they do not fully comprehend and therefore to which they are unable to give informed consent and/or which violates the taboos of society.
Sexual abuse is any misuse of a child for sexual pleasure or gratification. It has the potential to interfere with a child's normal, healthy development, both emotionally and physically. Often, sexually victimized children experience severe emotional disturbances from their own feelings of guilt and shame, as well as the feelings which society imposes on them.
At the extreme end of the spectrum, sexual abuse includes sexual intercourse and/or its deviations. These behaviors may be the final acts in a worsening pattern of sexual abuse. For this reason and because of their devastating effects, exhibitionism, fondling and any other sexual contact with children are also considered sexually abusive.
Nontouching sexual abuse offenses include:» Indecent exposure/exhibitionism» Exposing children to pornographic material» Deliberately exposing a child to the act of sexual intercourse» Masterbation in front of a child
Touching sexual offenses include:» Fondling» Making a child touch an adult's sexual organs» Any penetration of a child's vagina or anus by an object that doesn't have a medical purpose
Sexual exploitation offenses include:» Engaging a child for the purposes of prostitution» Using a child to film, photograph or model pornography
What should I look for if I suspect a child is being sexually abuse?
YOUNGER CHILDREN
PREPUBERTY AND TEENAGE
OLDER CHILDREN
PHYSICAL INDICATORS
Compulsive masterbation
Stealing
Suicide attempts
Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia
Bed-wetting, soiling
Running away
Early marriage
Complains of pain or itching in genitalia
Excessive curiosity about sex
Starting fires
Running away
Difficulty in sitting or walking
Altered sleep patterns
Excessive bathing
Pregnancy
Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
Learning problems
Being withdrawn and passive
Substance abuse
Sexually transmitted diseases
Separation anxiety
Girls pulling up skirts
Getting in trouble with legal system
Pregnancy, especially in early adolescence
Overly compulsive behavior
Sexual inference in school artwork
Developing fears and phobias
Teaching others how to masterbate
Sexual acting out with peers
Becoming aggressive toward peers
Becoming nonverbal
Succumbing to periods of deep depression
Developing tension symptoms -- stomach aches, skin disorders
Falling grades
Becoming seductive
Alcohol or drug abuse
Child neglect, which is 63% of all substantiated cases of child abuse, is the most common form of child maltreatment reported to child protective services. It is defined as a "type of maltreatment that refers to the failure to provide needed age-appropriate care," such as shelter, food, clothing, education, supervision, medical care and other basic necessities needed for development of physical, intellectual and emotional capacities. Unlike physical and sexual abuse, neglect is usually typified by an ongoing pattern of inadequate care and is readily observed by individuals in close contact with the child. Physicians, nurses, day care personnel, relatives and neighbors are frequently the ones to suspect and report neglected infants, toddlers and preschool children.
The types of neglect:
Physical neglect -- accounts for the majority of cases of maltreatment. The definition includes the refusal of or extreme delay in seeking necessary health care, child abandonment, inadequate supervision, rejection of a child leading to expulsion from the home, and failing to adequately provide for the child's safety and physical and emotional needs. Physical neglect can severely impact a child's development by causing failure to thrive, malnutrition; serious illnesses; physical harm in the form of cuts, bruises and burns due to lack of supervision and a lifetime of low self-esteem.
Educational neglect -- occurs when a child is allowed to engage in chronic truancy, is of mandatory school age but not enrolled in school or receiving needed special educational training. Educational neglect can lead to underachievement in acquiring necessary basic skills, dropping out of school and/or continually disruptive behavior.
Emotional neglect -- includes such actions as chronic or extreme spousal abuse in the child's presence, allowing a child to use drugs or alcohol, refusal or failure to provide needed psychological care, constant belittling and withholding of affection. This pattern of behavior can lead to poor self-image, alcohol or drug abuse, destructive behavior and even suicide. Severe neglect of infants can result in the infant failing to grow and thrive and may even lead to infant death.
Medical neglect -- is the failure to provide appropriate health care for a child although financially able to do so. In some cases, a parent or caretaker will withhold traditional medical care during the practice of religious beliefs. These cases generally do not fall under the definition of medical neglect, however, some states will obtain a court order forcing medical treatment of a child in order to save a child's life or prevent life-threatening injury resulting from the lack of treatment. Medical neglect can result in poor overall health and compounded medical problems.
Shaken Baby Syndrome?When a baby is vigorously shaken, the head moves back and forth. This sudden whiplash motion can cause bleeding inside the head and increased pressure on the brain, causing the brain to pull apart and resulting in injury to the baby. This is known as Shaken Baby Syndrome, and is one of the leading forms of fatal child abuse. A baby's head and neck are susceptible to head trauma because his or her muscles are not fully developed and the brain tissue is exceptionally fragile. Head trauma is the leading cause of disability among abused infants and children.
Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs most frequently in infants younger than six months old, yet can occur up to the age of three. Often there are no obvious outward signs if inside injury, particularly in the head or behind the eyes. In reality, shaking a baby, if only for a few seconds, can injure the baby for life. These injuries can include brain swelling and damage; cerebral palsy; mental retardation; developmental delays; blindness; hearing loss; paralysis and death. When a child is shaken in anger and frustration, the force is multiplied five or 10 times than it would be if the child had simply tripped and fallen.
How does it happen?Often frustrated parents or other persons responsible for a child's care feel that shaking a baby is a harmless way to make a child stop crying. The number one reason a baby is shaken is because of inconsolable crying. Almost 25 percent of all babies with Shaken Baby Syndrome die. It is estimated that 25-50 percent of parents and caretakers aren't aware of the effects of shaking a baby.
What can you do to prevent a tragedy?If you or someone else shakes a baby, either accidentally or on purpose, call 911 or take the child to the emergency room immediately. Bleeding in side the brain can be treated. Immediate medical attention will save your baby many future problems . . . and possible the baby's life.
Other Suggestions for Parents
Never throw or shake a baby
Always provide support for the baby's head and neck
Place the baby in a crib, leave the room for a few minutes
Sit down, close your eyes and count to 20
Take the baby for a stroller ride
Play music, or sing to the baby
Ask a friend to "take over" for a while
Don't pick the baby up until you feel calm
Make sure the baby is fed, burped and dry
Gently rock or walk the baby
Check for discomfort of diaper rash, teething or fever
Call the doctor if you think the baby is sick
Make sure clothing is not too tight
Give the baby a pacifier
Offer a noisy toy or rattle
Hug and cuddle the baby gently
Fetal alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a leading cause of mental retardation. FAS is a cluster of birth defects that develop in infants of women who consume alcoholic beverages while pregnant. Defects include prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency, facial malformations, central nervous system dysfunction and varying degrees of major organ malfunctions. When mothers drink alcohol while pregnant, their babies could have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE). FAS and FAE are a group of birth defects that have no cure. People with FAS and FAE have a range of problems as severe as being mentally retarded to less visible problems like difficulty paying attention in school. The diagnosed cases of FAS is estimated to be one to three per 1,000 live births. One in 100 Americans is affected by FAS/FAE. There is no know safe amount of alcohol for a pregnant woman. When a woman drinks, her baby drinks because the alcohol passes directly through the placenta to the baby.
Symptoms of FAS
> Infancy: low birth weight irritability, feeding difficulties, sleep disturbances, alcohol withdrawal, strong startle reflex> Facial malformations: small eye slits, thin upper lip, low nasal ridge, small jaw>Neurological dysfunction: attention deficit, memory deficit, hyperactivity, difficulty with abstract concepts and problem solving>Organ/ body dysfunction: muscle problems, bone and joint problems, genital defects, heart defects, kidney defects> Mental retardation, developmental delays> Behavioral problems> Growth deficiencies> Vision problems> Dental abnormalities> Hearing problems> Epilepsy
During pregnancy, how much alcohol is too much?
No level of drinking has been proven safe. The pattern of FAS usually occurs in offspring of chronic alcohol abusers, most often in women who drink four to five drinks daily or more. However, it has occurred in women who drink less. FAE can occur in babies of women who drink moderately or lightly during pregnancy. Binge drinking of more than five drinks on any occasion is one of the strongest predictors of later behavioral and learning problems, developmental delays and mental deficits in those prenatally exposed to alcohol.
FAS Facts
> FAS is a pattern of birth defects that result from drinking alcohol during pregnancy, It occurs in one out of every 750 births.> FAS is the number one known cause of mental retardation in the United States, and one of the three leading causes of birth defects. > Each year, more than 40,000 American babies are born with defects because their mother drank alcohol when pregnant.
What other problems can drinking during pregnancy cause?
Consuming alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, stillbirth and death in early infancy. Heavy drinkers are two to four times more likely to have a miscarriage between the fourth and sixth month of pregnancy than are nondrinkers. Heavy drinkers are also two to three times more likely to lose their babies during the perinatal period, from the 28th week of pregnancy through the first week after birth.
Can FAS be prevented?
Yes. FAS and FAE are both 100 percent preventable. When a woman stays away from alcohol during pregnancy, her baby will not have FAS or FAE. Women planning a pregnancy need to stop drinking alcohol before trying to conceive and should not drink throughout the pregnancy and nursing.Women who drink and have an unplanned pregnancy need to quit drinking as soon as they suspect they are pregnant. Heavy drinkers need to avoid pregnancy until they think they can stay away from alcohol for the nine months from conception to birth.
If you know or suspect that a child has been abused, neglected, or exploited, contact your local law enforcement and/or child protective services agency without delay. You also may call the toll-free child abuse hotline in your state, if one exists, or the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
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