Most expectant mothers know that they are not supposed to drink while pregnant. Yet, alcohol-exposed pregnancies continue to be a leading cause of birth defects. The annual Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) awareness day, aims to increase the discussion about these preventable disorders.
September 9th was chosen for FASD awareness to remind people that disabilities from fetal alcohol exposure are completely preventable if a mother avoids alcohol during the nine months of her pregnancy.
The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome estimates that in one out of every 100 births in the United States, the baby suffers from FASD. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the most severe presentation of alcohol exposure, but the lesser forms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder include intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, attention deficits, and behavior disorders.
For more information on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or to see a listing of events happening to raise awareness, visit www.nofas.org.
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