One of the greatest dangers for babies in the formative stages involves alcohol.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day was on Sept. 9 and is observed every year.
On the ninth day of the ninth month, people all over the world raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a series of birth defects that can occur when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. FASD refers to a group of disorders, which can include unique facial features, physical and mental problems, as well as learning disabilities. FASD is the most common and most serious disorder.
When a pregnant woman drinks, alcohol easily enters the placenta and the fetus receives a high concentration of alcohol causing irreversible damage by destroying the fetus’ developing brain cells or affecting the growth of other cells.
Problems associated with FASD tend to intensify as children move into adulthood. These can include poor co-ordination, hypersensitivity, poor socialization skills, lack of imagination, learning difficulties, poor memory, inability to understand concepts, poor language comprehension, poor problem solving skills, mental health problems, troubles with the law and the inability to live independently.
There is no cure for FASD, but prevention is 100 per cent possible. Rigorous messages should be sent to communities, as pregnant women will be more successful at not drinking during pregnancy if they have the support of dads-to-be, friends, family and community. Even women with the best of intentions for a healthy pregnancy can be confused by long-held beliefs. Common misconceptions are that beer and wine coolers are not “real alcohol” and therefore harmless, or that a few drinks here and there are OK. For information call Motherisk at 1-877-327-4636 or www.motherisk.org.
There’s no safe time during pregnancy to drink, no safe amount of alcohol and no safe type of alcohol – period.
The keys to prevention campaigns for FASD begin with education and communication. It takes a whole village to raise a child, so why not as a community take the responsibility to protect an unborn baby from alcohol.
Spread the message; give our future generations the best chance possible in life by abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy.
Envision a world in which women do not drink alcohol during pregnancy and people living with FASD are identified, supported and valued.
In the Boundary, to spread the message about FASD, Boundary Family and Individual Services Society has taken community-driven initiatives in partnership with Interior Health, Boundary Child Care Resource and Referral, Strong Start, School District, BC Liquor Stores and Women’s Coalition.
Some activities we have organized to happen this year:
• Pamphlets, brochures and BC Liquor posters about FASD to be distributed
• Community and School Displays and presentations
• Essay and art contests for students about FASD
Let‘s work together to create hope, by participating in prevention efforts and improving prospects for affected children.
For support to have a healthy pregnancy contact: Cynthia Garnett, Baby’s Best Chance at 250-442-5355 ext.123.