Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Awareness Day
9th September, Worldwide
As a mom of three children, I’ve obviously been through the pregnancy game. In fact, I’ve been pregnant four times but unfortunately miscarried. During my pregnancies I was very aware of how my body was changing, the baby growing within me and what I should and shouldn’t be eating and drinking. What goes in the mom goes straight to the baby. Depending what it is depends on what harm it can cause. This September 9th is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) awareness day.
So what is FAS?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome refers to growth, mental and physical problems that may occur in a baby when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy.
Using or abusing alcohol has the same effects on a pregnant woman as a non pregnant woman, however it gives extra risks to the baby, as the alcohol passes through the placenta to the fetus. This will in turn affect the development of the baby.
There is no amount of alcohol established as safe, so pregnant woman are advised not to drink at all. Especially during the first three months. Binge drinking is dangerous normally, but to a pregnant woman the effects are devastating to the baby.
Signs and symptoms
A baby with FAS may have the following symptoms
- poor growth development during and after the pregnancy
- delayed development and significant functional problems
- heart defects
- structural problems with the face
Signs and tests
A physical exam on the baby may reveal a heart murmur, signs of delayed mental development, also structural problems of the face.
Tests include:
blood alcohol levels of suspected pregnant moms under the influence of alcohol
Pregnancy ultrasound shows delayed growth of the fetus
Treatment
Woman who are trying to get pregnant or pregnant should avoid alcohol during their pregnancy
Woman who suffer from alcoholism, should seek out help thru an alcohol abuse rehabilitation program and have close checkups by the health care community during the pregnancy.
Support Groups
Www.ncadd.org national council on alcohol and drug dependency
www.fasaware.co.uk/
www.nofas-uk.org/
To quote fasaware.co.uk
“Alcohol in pregnancy can cause a lifetime of problems for you and your child. No matter how small the amount of alcohol consumed, there is a great risk of harming your unborn baby. Stay aware. Stay away from alcohol.”
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is 100% preventable……What are your thoughts?
Soapgirl
