FASD causes permanent damage but is 100% preventable

FOETAL Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term for a range of conditions, one being Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which occurs when an unborn baby (or foetus) is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. A pregnant woman does not need to be a heavy drinker or alcoholic to have a child with FASD. Research indicates that even small to moderate amounts of alcohol can cause damage to the unborn baby.

International FASD Day

In the late 1990s, a group of biological and adoptive/ foster parents in Canada and New Zealand decided to create awareness and share information regarding the management of children with FASD across the globe. An online parental support group was formed, which eventually led to the establishment of International FASD Day.

International FASD Day was first held on September 9, 1999, and was also commemorated in South Africa.

FASD prevention message

FASD and FAS, which is the most severe form of these disorders, is the most common cause of permanent mental disability in the world. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of FASD in the world is projected to be 1.5%.

South Africa has the highest reported FASD prevalence rates in the world, with rates as high as 28% in some communities. It is estimated that the overall national rate might be as high is 6%.

FASD is caused when a pregnant woman uses alcohol.

It is prevalent in all cultural, religious and socio-economic groups.

The alcohol consumed by the pregnant women is absorbed through her bloodstream and reaches the unborn baby. The alcohol is poisonous (toxic) for the unborn baby, and it may damage any of the unborn baby’s organs. The brain is the most vulnerable organ. For this reason, all children with FASD have some form of permanent brain damage, developmental delays, learning and behavioural problems. This condition is permanent and cannot be cured by medication or treatment.

There are many myths around FASD, with some people still believing that a woman must be an alcoholic to have a child with FASD. Therefore, the prevention message that must be spread is:

No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy – FASD causes permanent damage, but it is 100% preventable.