In 1996, the Institute of Medicine created a 5-category classification system for individuals exposed to alcohol in utero. This classification system added the terms partial FAS (PFAS), ARBD, and ARND, to describe those children who did not precisely fit the FAS category, but had deficits or disabilities that could be linked to PAE.
Recently, the term fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) has been used to include all categories of PAE, including FAS; however, FASD is not intended to serve as a clinical diagnosis. A diagnosis of FAE, ARND, PFAS, or ARBD does not preclude significant organ damage, often to the brain, equal in severity to the damage seen in the individual with full-blown FAS.
FAS = Full syndrome.
ARND = Neurodevelopmental problems including behavioral and cognitive difficulties.
ARBD = A combination of any of the above but also including problems such as a deformed heart, a gigantic birth mark, short fingers and toes, etc. You get the idea.
PFAS = Less obvious than the full syndrome but in reality, brain developmental issues can easily mimic the full syndrome.
Nobody wants to have a baby with these tags attached to the threads of their life. It's all up to mom. But mom won't make it if she drinks and her falling down drunk husband continues to fall down. Mom needs support here. Seek it out even if it means leaving hubby for a year (I say 1 year because mom needs at least a few months of learning and bonding with the young one whether it has been affected by FASD or not.)
All I can do from my desk is hope you make the right decisions. 9 months can go by fast. To aid you, follow this link every day: 9-month daily pregnancy tracker with photos and graphics. Keep this link at your side and watch your fetus develop without ever seeing it: http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6911367971276676027#editor/target=post;postID=3182459621220832023
I admit, after doing this painstakingly long blog, by the end of it I felt I had a baby. So does it work? Yes. Remember always, the fetus asks,"Can you see me now?" or, "Look mama, I have fingers." and whatever you think it is saying at every step along the way.
Recently, the term fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) has been used to include all categories of PAE, including FAS; however, FASD is not intended to serve as a clinical diagnosis. A diagnosis of FAE, ARND, PFAS, or ARBD does not preclude significant organ damage, often to the brain, equal in severity to the damage seen in the individual with full-blown FAS.
FAS = Full syndrome.
ARND = Neurodevelopmental problems including behavioral and cognitive difficulties.
ARBD = A combination of any of the above but also including problems such as a deformed heart, a gigantic birth mark, short fingers and toes, etc. You get the idea.
PFAS = Less obvious than the full syndrome but in reality, brain developmental issues can easily mimic the full syndrome.
Nobody wants to have a baby with these tags attached to the threads of their life. It's all up to mom. But mom won't make it if she drinks and her falling down drunk husband continues to fall down. Mom needs support here. Seek it out even if it means leaving hubby for a year (I say 1 year because mom needs at least a few months of learning and bonding with the young one whether it has been affected by FASD or not.)
All I can do from my desk is hope you make the right decisions. 9 months can go by fast. To aid you, follow this link every day: 9-month daily pregnancy tracker with photos and graphics. Keep this link at your side and watch your fetus develop without ever seeing it: http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6911367971276676027#editor/target=post;postID=3182459621220832023
I admit, after doing this painstakingly long blog, by the end of it I felt I had a baby. So does it work? Yes. Remember always, the fetus asks,"Can you see me now?" or, "Look mama, I have fingers." and whatever you think it is saying at every step along the way.
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