January is National Birth Defects Month!!

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) represents the most involved end of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum (FAS).FASDs are spectrum of disorders that may occur if a mother consumes alcoholic beverages prior to or during pregnancy.

Some of the effects of FASD on the developing fetus are that after birth the infant may develop intellectual disabilities, vision problems, and low body weight. Individuals with FASD can have problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, or hearing. They might have a mix of these problems. Individuals with FASD may also have challenges in school and trouble getting along with others.

According to studies, 50% of pregnancies in US are unplanned and most women do not know they are pregnant until the 4th to 6th week of the fetus/child age.

According to the CDC, no amount of alcohol is safe to consume while planning to be pregnant or while pregnant. Most of fetal brain development occurs during the first trimester (Fertilization- 14 weeks);however the fetus will continue to develop throughout pregnancy.  According to the NIH, fathers consuming alcohol can also increase the risk for FASD.

If you have plans to conceive, please talk to your PCP or obstetrician about actions you can take prior to becoming pregnant to help ensure the health of your new baby.

Visit www.pchc.org to see the FASD Health Promotion Activity Plan (HPAP)

Explore Your Resources!  

Visit www.NIH.gov

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder