On 9 September the world will commemorate Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Day.
Annually at nine minutes past nine on 9 September, people are encouraged to ring bells as part of the international call for each time zone across the world. The aim is to create awareness and to focus attention on the fact that any alcohol consumed by a woman during the nine months of pregnancy, will damage her unborn baby.
The Western Cape Government Health explained in a media statement that when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it goes into her bloodstream and then the
blood takes the alcohol to the unborn baby. Alcohol damages the unborn baby’s
growing body and brain, resulting in permanent damage to their brain and
organs. Alcohol harms an unborn baby in different ways at different times
during the pregnancy.
They encourage partners, friends, family and healthcare workers to support pregnant mothers and to remind them not to drink alcohol.
“Pre-natal exposure to alcohol can cause permanent brain damage which often
result in learning and behavioural difficulties. FASD impact all areas of a
child’s life, especially their education. It is estimated that 43% of children
with FASD have disrupted school experiences, that include suspension, expulsion
and/or drop out. This disadvantages the child. I therefore
appeal to expectant mothers to give their unborn children a fair chance in
life. Always remember there is no amount of alcohol that is safe during
pregnancy and all forms of alcohol can be harmful,” says Dr Nomafrench Mbombo,
Western Cape Minister of Health.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are a group of birth defects caused in
babies when the mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. FASD is 100 %
preventable if the mother does not drink alcohol during pregnancy and
similarly is also 100% permanent. The damage done by the alcohol cannot be
undone or cured
What does alcohol do to your unborn baby?
• A baby with FASD can be born prematurely.
• Babies with FASD have a low birth weight and are weak and sickly.
• Children with FASD are slow in reaching milestones, such as sitting, walking,
and talking.
• A child with FASD often has a lower IQ than children who don’t have FASD and
struggle to learn.
• Children with FASD often find it difficult to concentrate and have to be
taught the same skills many times.
• Organ damaged, especially the brain, eyes, ears and heart
• The baby’s facial features could be affected
• Brain damage which results in lifelong problems such as learning
disabilities, interpersonal relationship problems, developmental disabilities
such as fine motor development, coordination, arithmetic and cause and effect
reasoning.
Speak to your healthcare worker at your nearest clinic and ask that your child
is assessed if you are worried that your baby or child may have FASD.
If you are you struggling to stop drinking alcohol, using drugs or smoking, speak to
your healthcare worker, social worker, or religious leader. You can also contact
any of the following organisations:
Alcoholics
Anonymous on 021 418 0908; Al-Anon on 021 595 4517; SANCA on 021 945 4080 or FASFacts on 023 342 7000.
