life stages
P2: Explain the potential effects of five different life factors on the development of an individual
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
FAS is the term used to describe a number of foetal abnormalities which occur in the babies of women who have abused alcohol during the course of their pregnancy. If a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy the alcohol goes across the placenta to the foetus through the bloodstream. The foetus’ liver isn’t fully formed, so it cannot metabolise the alcohol quickly enough, therefore the baby has a high blood alcohol concentration. It lacks oxygen and the nutrients needed for its brain and organs to grow properly. So when a mother drinks while pregnant it affects the development of the baby. Children with FAS have distinct facial features including: small and narrow eyes, a small head, a smooth area between the nose and the lips and a thin upper lip.
They also show the following symptoms:
Hearing and ear problems
Mouth, teeth and facial problems
Weak immune system
Epilepsy
Liver damage
Kidney and heart defects
Height and weight issues
Physical effects of FAS include heart defects, such as a hole in the wall of the heart that separates its chambers. Other effects are skeletal defects, such as fused bones in the arms, fingers, hands and toes. Due to damage by exposure to alcohol in the womb, babies with FAS may be born small and underweight. Some have difficulty nursing or eating and their growth continues to fall behind, resulting in failure to thrive. Some infants with FAS may also have tremors, seizures, excessive irritability and sleep problems. An older child with FAS is usually hyperactive, has weak grasp and poor hand-eye coordination.
Children with FAS are also affected intellectually. FAS impacts cognitive development and may cause serious developmental delays and learning disabilities. Those affected with FAS often lack concentration skills, this can lead to antisocial behaviour and aggressiveness. They have
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
FAS is the term used to describe a number of foetal abnormalities which occur in the babies of women who have abused alcohol during the course of their pregnancy. If a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy the alcohol goes across the placenta to the foetus through the bloodstream. The foetus’ liver isn’t fully formed, so it cannot metabolise the alcohol quickly enough, therefore the baby has a high blood alcohol concentration. It lacks oxygen and the nutrients needed for its brain and organs to grow properly. So when a mother drinks while pregnant it affects the development of the baby. Children with FAS have distinct facial features including: small and narrow eyes, a small head, a smooth area between the nose and the lips and a thin upper lip.
They also show the following symptoms:
Hearing and ear problems
Mouth, teeth and facial problems
Weak immune system
Epilepsy
Liver damage
Kidney and heart defects
Height and weight issues
Physical effects of FAS include heart defects, such as a hole in the wall of the heart that separates its chambers. Other effects are skeletal defects, such as fused bones in the arms, fingers, hands and toes. Due to damage by exposure to alcohol in the womb, babies with FAS may be born small and underweight. Some have difficulty nursing or eating and their growth continues to fall behind, resulting in failure to thrive. Some infants with FAS may also have tremors, seizures, excessive irritability and sleep problems. An older child with FAS is usually hyperactive, has weak grasp and poor hand-eye coordination.
Children with FAS are also affected intellectually. FAS impacts cognitive development and may cause serious developmental delays and learning disabilities. Those affected with FAS often lack concentration skills, this can lead to antisocial behaviour and aggressiveness. They have