Which facial features are associated with fetal alcohol syndrome?

Which facial features are associated with fetal alcohol syndrome?

• A. Small head and flat facial features
• B. Enlarged skull and elongated face
• C. Prominent nose and large lips
• D. Normal philtrum

Answer: (A)

Fetal alcohol syndrome causes distinctive craniofacial changes that reflect disrupted fetal development from alcohol exposure, especially in the first trimester. A small head (microcephaly) and flatter midface are among the hallmark facial features, often with a smooth philtrum and a thin upper lip. This combination best matches the known facial phenotype of fetal alcohol exposure. Other descriptions describe features that aren’t typical for FAS, such as an enlarged skull or an elongated face, a prominent nose with large lips, or a normal philtrum, which do not align with the characteristic pattern.

Fetal alcohol syndrome causes distinctive craniofacial changes that reflect disrupted fetal development from alcohol exposure, especially in the first trimester. A small head (microcephaly) and flatter midface are among the hallmark facial features, often with a smooth philtrum and a thin upper lip. This combination best matches the known facial phenotype of fetal alcohol exposure. Other descriptions describe features that aren’t typical for FAS, such as an enlarged skull or an elongated face, a prominent nose with large lips, or a normal philtrum, which do not align with the characteristic pattern.