Late pregnancy discovery and concerns of FASD

[ToshLatte]

Hey guys,

I discovered I was pregnant at 28 weeks. Prior to discovery, I was on the pill and was told that I would need medical intervention in order to conceive due to PCOS (no period since 2018), with all this combined I naturally thought that there is no way I can be pregnant. I found out I was in April 2020. My daughter was born in July and is currently 6.5 months old.

My concern is about my alcohol consumption during pregnancy. I of course stopped drinking when I found out but I worry daily about whether the damage has already been done, if I could take it back, I would. I can recall at least 4 nights of heavy drinking (one at Christmas time, at new years, and 2 day weekend bender at a hens night), and then casual drinks throughout). I know that I didn't know, but I still can't help but feel guilty and shameful, these feelings cause me a great deal of anxiety around what I have potentially done to my daughter

Ok before you shame yourself do some research around FASD. You didn't know so it can't be helped. Have you researched the condition? There are some warning signs and there are support groups.

I really wouldn't worry. Babies born with FASD have quite distinctive features and I'm fairly sure something would've been spotted by now if your baby is over 6 months old

Unfortunately, only around 20% of people with FASD have the facial features, and thats due to drinking at a certain point in pregnancy when the face develops. I just won't know for years, and that's the part that scares me I guess

Yeah I have researched it extensively. I'm constantly looking out for the signs so I can advocate for her and get her into early intervention programs if needed

I think you're worrying over nothing op. It won't help.

It sounds like you are taking appropriate measures and doing the best for your daughter. If you suffer from feelings of guilt see if there is counseling available. Take care!

I’m not an expert but I think that FAS is caused by consistent heavy drinking, not a few benders and ‘normal’ drinking in between.

In your position, I think I’d be tempted to talk to a GP or health visitor, not because I think there’s an issue but because it might put your mind at rest.

Thats true. Its just hard not to worry and be filled with anxiety over it. I hope that everything is okay with her and that she won't be affected, but I just want to be prepared if she is.
I have a mental health plan already drawn up. Might mention my concerns to the paed the next time we see him

Do you know when the facial features would develop during pregnancy?

I believe pretty early on, like day 19-21. Not all children exposed have the facial features though.

Not drinking or smoking during pregnancy is relatively a new thing. (Even our grandparents were drinking alcohol or/and smoked in pregnancy as it didn't consider being harmful at the time). And yet, many of us healthy without any problems. As far as I know, for your baby to get FAS you have to take in a lot of alcohol (like getting drunk most of the time).

I understand your concerns but I would speak to a doctor or HV to put your mind at rest. You didn’t know and of course you would have done things differently if you had, but as PP said, it’s more of a problem associated with regular heavy drinking than a couple of sessions.
Was her birth weight healthy?
Speak to someone, but I really think you are worrying excessively and would benefit from a bit of reassurance.

Hey, so this thread is actually nearly a year old now, my daughter is a sassy 16.5 month old. Her birth weight was 7lb6oz at 41+3 gestation. So very average I believe. I do see a psychologist to talk through my feelings and to help myself heal and forgive myself. I also see a paed who monitors my daughter's development to ensure she is growing appropriately and hitting milestones. We have a plan in place if need be which consists of different therapies to ensure she has the best chance in life if she were to be diagnosed with fasd