FASD is a 100 percent preventable condition.
Furthermore, three in four women who would like to get pregnant as soon as possible report drinking.
The risk is real.
Jocelyn Runice for SELF
Why take the chance?
This recommendation is the latest of many moves to educate women about FASD.
Her daughter Karlie has severe FASD and at age 43 has the intellectual capacity of a first-grader.
Jocelyn Runice for SELF
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding alcohol use during pregnancy.
SELF spoke to the experts, and they answered some common questions for us.
Here’s what they had to say.
said in apress release.
So, once again: It’s better to be safe than sorry, and avoid drinking altogether.
FASD is characterized by behavioral and cognitive problems, which are resulting from structural abnormalities in the brain.
For children with FASD, Charness explains that: Development does not proceed as it should.
Milestones may be delayed, they may struggle in school.
They have difficulty with executive function, planning and impulse control.
There can be attention deficit disorders.
Difficulty with social interactions.
Trouble with learning and memory, especially in math.
FASD has no cure, but Charness stresses that early diagnosis and prevention can improve outcomes for affected children.
She tells SELF that, in some communities, 2 to 4 percent of first-grade-age children have FASD.
It is difficult to get a handle on how common it is, she tells SELF.
Its hugely under-recognized."
But it does not have that recognition."
Experts dont recommend this.
Step one: Don’t panic.
Step two: Stop drinking.
Take the usual prenatal vitamins, be attentive to diet and health, Charness advises.
Its not universal, its not an inevitable outcome.
The less someone drinks during pregnancy, the less likelihood there will be a problem.
Don’t be ashamed to ask for help.
Addiction is a serious disease.
National helplines like theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationline may be able to assist.
“Obviously the take home message is, if you drink, avoid pregnancy,” Chambers says.
“If you are going to become pregnant, don’t drink.”
To be clear, FASD is by no means a fatal diagnosis.
Children with FASD can lead full, happy, and productive lives.
“Just don’t drink,” Mitchell says.
It’s not worth it.
