Sleep problems are common in children with FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders) on both subjective and objective measures. Primarily in areas concerning for pediatric insomnia. Other associated findings observed in sleep studies include sleep disordered breathing and fragmented sleep. Because these symptoms may overlap with non-teratogenic ADHD it is advised that a clinical sleep health assessment be conducted in children with FASD and that there be low threshold for polysomnography.
Chen ML; Olson HC; Picciano JF; Starr JR; Owens J. Sleep problems in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. J Clin Sleep Med 2012;8(4):421-429
I frequently get asked if there is a minimal amount of exposure of alcohol that a pregnant mother may have. Even one glass of wine? People may even joke around and say that many pregnancies come out a night with alcohol. — My stance is none.
Alcohol exposure presents a risk of fetal brain damage at any point during a pregnancy, since brain development is ongoing throughout pregnancy. Fact is you don’t have to have full blown Fetal Alcohol Syndrome to have brain affected, which is what we are learning with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders that include Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, Alcohol-Related Birth Defects, and Fetal Alcohol Effect.
