Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder awarness day Sept. 9

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) awareness day is September 9, 2008. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a birth defect syndrome caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and is the most clinically recognizable form of a larger group of problems caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), this also includes the more diagnostically elusive alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder.

The incidence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in America is 10 cases per 1,000 births.

Which means that more American babies are born with FAS than Down syndrome, MD and HIV combine. The lifetime cost of prenatal exposure to alcohol is an additional 5 million dollars, which includes medical costs, and other specialized treatments.

Alcohol use during pregnancy may damage a developing fetus. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the alcohol passes from her blood into the fetus. The possibility, extent, and type of damage depends, on the amount of alcohol use; the frequency of use; and the fetus's stage of development. Heavy Alcohol use (5 or more drinks in one day) during pregnancy may damage cells, especially those of the central nervous system. This can cause a child to have growth disabilities, facial abnormalities, birth defects, mental disabilities, or behavior and learning problems. Heavy alcohol use during pregnancy can also lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, or still birth. Even small amounts of alcohol use during pregnancy may cause a combination of these effects to a milder degree. There is NO Known amount of Alcohol intake that is considered Safe for PregnantWomen.

The Steuben Council on Addictions is an agency of Catholic Charities Steuben and is an information and referral based agency that provides prevention educational services to all residents of Steuben County. If you or someone you know needs help with a substance abuse problem please call us 607-776- 6441. We Can Help!