Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Clinic

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a group of conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth.

This clinic is appropriate for suspected or probable prenatal exposure to alcohol or other drugs or medications.

Diagnosing fetal alcohol syndrome disorder requires expertise and a thorough assessment. A genetic specialist (geneticist or genetic counselor) will ask you about alcohol, drug and medication use during pregnancy. Honest answers for the timing and amount of consumption can help determine the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome disorder.

• If you are pregnant and can't stop drinking, ask your obstetrician, primary care doctor, mental health professional or other health care provider for help. See addiction services at Nebraska Medicine.

Complications with your pregnancy are important details to share during your session. They'll also ask when you first noticed symptoms, if they are continuous or only occasional, and if you've noticed anything improve or worsen symptoms.

Although they cannot diagnose fetal alcohol syndrome disorder before a baby is born, they can assess the health of a mother and baby during pregnancy. The genetic specialist may ask you to watch for signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome disorder within the first few weeks or months of your child's birth. You might make notes of physical appearance and distinguishing features of your baby. This may also include monitoring your child's physical and brain growth and development. Early diagnosis and services can help improve your child's ability to function.

Many features seen with fetal alcohol syndrome disorder may also occur in children with other disorders. If fetal alcohol syndrome disorder is suspected, you may be referred to a developmental pediatrician, neurologist or other expert for evaluation and to rule out other disorders with similar signs and symptoms.