Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause a wide range of disorders known as Spectrum Disorders Fetal Alcohol (FASD), including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most severe. These defects and disabilities are 100 percent preventable by avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. However, according to NIAAA 30 percent of women say they still drink alcohol during pregnancy.
In severe cases, children are born with fetal alcohol syndrome, a serious and incurable disease that damages the central nervous system and the brain child. FAS is characterized by mental retardation and physical birth defects such as abnormal facial features (eg, beautiful eyes, set wide, thin upper lip plain tip above the upper lip).
Children born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder do not have the physical birth defects and abnormal facial features, but can have a number of cognitive, intellectual, social, mental and emotional. About one percent of children with FASD and the number could be higher. Because children with FASD have no physical defects, it can be difficult to determine whether an intellectual disability of a child are associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol or other cause.
FASD can cause a emotional stress and financial life of a family and the individual. However, FASD is not an individual issue, it is a social problem. Therefore International Fetal Alcohol caused Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day is so important. It is important to promote awareness of the message "Do not drink alcohol if you are pregnant!"
NIAAA continues to investigate the effects of alcohol and pregnancy and strategies and treatment for children with FASD. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should not drink alcohol. Often with an unplanned pregnancy liquor woman does not know she is pregnant. Once you discover you are pregnant should stop drinking immediately. This can significantly reduce the risk of your child developing FASD. If a woman has difficulty to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy, it should seek professional treatment under the supervision of a drug rehab center and alcohol tested. A medically supervised rehabilitation program can ensure that the mother receives adequate treatment with the best interest of your child in mind.