Fetal Alcohol Syndrome What makes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

• What makes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome different from most other birth defects? • It is 100% preventable!

Would You? “Of all the substances of abuse – including cocaine, heroin, and marijuana…. ALCOHOL produces by far the MOST SERIOUS neurobehavioral effects in the fetus. ” - Institute of Medicine 1996 • When a pregnant woman drinks or uses drugs, so does her baby.

#1 Cause of Mental Retardation FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME is currently the leading cause of mental retardation in the United States.

Alcohol can cause permanent damage to a baby BEFORE most women realize they are pregnant. Once the brain is damaged, IT PERMANENT. It doesn’t EVER get better! IS

Brain Development – 6 Week Old Baby Normal Brain “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome” Brain

Physical Characteristics

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – Malformations and disabilities resulting from a pregnant woman drinking during her pregnancy. FAS will not occur if the father was drinking heavily. Heavy drinking on a consistent basis or binge drinking on an occasional basis can produce FAS. Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) – Children born with less dramatic physical and mental defects than FAS.

How common is FAS and FAE? • The incidence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) has been estimated at 1 to 3 per 1000 live births. • Symptoms of FAS and FAE are estimated to occur in about 1 in 100 births. • If the mother STOPS drinking during pregnancy, it can improve the outcome – even if the unborn child is already affected.

Remember these things: • Drinks with alcohol in them include: • Beer, wine, hard liquor, and wine coolers • NO amount of alcohol is safe in pregnancy • If you usually drink, quit if you are trying to get pregnant or if you think you’re pregnant. • An unplanned pregnancy poses one of the greatest challenges to preventing FAS • 85% of teen pregnancies are unplanned If you can’t quit drinking by yourself, get help quickly!

Remember: Mothering begins before birth!