The Main Risks of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: An Integrative Review
Gilmar Dantas De Souza Filho *
Universidade Paulista – Unip, Brazil.
Henrique Almeida Assis Costa
Centro Universitário Adventista de São Paulo (UNASP), Brazil.
Danielle Araújo Borsari
Health Institute – SP (São Paulo), Brazil.
Erasmo Carlos Braulino
Unirondon University, Brazil.
Plínio Regino Magalhães
Hospital Japonês Santa Cruz, São Paulo, Brazil.
Pericles Cristiano Batista Flores
Universidad San Lorenzo, Paraguay, Brazil.
Solange Aparecida Caetano
Catholic University of Santos/SP, Brazil.
Elaine Aparecida Leoni
Universidad San Lorenzo, Paraguay, Brazil.
Thaisa Silva de Sousa
Universidade do Oeste Paulista – UNOESTE, Brazil.
Marco Aurélio Aparecido Lucio
Universidade do Oeste Paulista – UNOESTE, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The consumption of alcoholic beverages by pregnant women poses a significant risk of harming the fetus, leading to permanent and irreversible physical, cognitive, and behavioral alterations. It can manifest as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effect, impair fetal development, and cause delays in labor. Identifying the consequences of maternal alcoholism on the fetus and newborn is crucial due to the toxic effects of ethanol and alcohol exposure biomarkers. This study presents an integrative literature review. Scientific articles available from 2009 to 2020 were searched and analyzed. According to the studies reviewed, alcohol consumption has increased over the years, particularly among women, especially adolescents, often as a result of life dissatisfaction. The research highlights the significant health risks associated with early alcohol consumption for both pregnant women and fetuses. Prevention of alcohol use is the most effective method to address this issue. These findings underscore the importance of healthcare professionals in implementing actions that support both users of the healthcare system and health promotion efforts.
Keywords: Alcoholism, fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol consumption during pregnancy, common diseases, caused by alcohol consumption