Help Prevent FASD
American Academy of Pediatrics FASD Toolkit on Diagnosis and Prevention AAP toolkit was developed to raise awareness, promote surveillance and screening, and ensure that all affected children receive appropriate and timely interventions.
www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders-toolkit/Pages/default.aspx
AAP Screening and Implementation Guide https://www.aap.org/en-us/Documents/FASD_PAE_Implementation_Guide_FINAL.pdf download guide
ACOG Prevention Program American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Prevention Program is a collaboration between ACOG and the CDC. https://www.acog.org/programs/fasd
CHOICES Program to Prevent Alcohol Exposed Pregnancies www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/choices-program-prevent-alcohol-exposed-pregnancies.html
Parent Child Assistance Program University of Washington evidence‐based home visitation case‐management model for mothers who abuse alcohol or drugs during pregnancy. depts.washington.edu/pcapuw/
POPFASD https://www.fasdoutreach.ca/prevention/ Complete prevention module with PowerPoint and videos on FASD and how to prevent FASD.
Interactive Activities:
The Online Guide to Making Responsible Decisions about Drinking during Pregnancy
solutionsunlimited.co.nz/drinkingpregnancy.html Learn basic facts about FASD, play a game or follow different stories
FASD Simulation by Teresa Kellerman Opens in a new window as it is very quick!! come-over.to/FAS/SimTest.htm
What do you know about FASD? Take this quiz. Then review the Quick Facts.
The Online Guide to Making Responsible Decisions about Drinking during Pregnancy
solutionsunlimited.co.nz/drinkingpregnancy.html Learn basic facts about FASD, play a game or follow different stories
FASD Simulation by Teresa Kellerman Opens in a new window as it is very quick!! come-over.to/FAS/SimTest.htm
What do you know about FASD? Take this quiz. Then review the Quick Facts.
Quick Facts About FASD:
- Prenatal exposure to alcohol is the leading known preventable cause of intellectual disabilities in the Western World
- According to a CDC report, 1 in 8 women report alcohol use during pregnancy.
- FASD is 100% PREVENTABLE but 0% CURABLE!
- An unborn baby’s brain is very sensitive to damage throughout a pregnancy. But the risk for developing neurological defects is greatest if alcohol exposure occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy. There is also a greater risk of causing physical and other developmental defects.
- Researchers generally agree that one out of every 100 children or adults have some form of fetal alcohol damage, but some experts believe the percentage is higher.
- We know there is conflicting messages on the use of alcohol during pregnancy. Some say low to moderate use is okay. But the one important message to all, is that alcohol is a potential poison to the fetus or developing baby.
- Every pregnant woman’s body is different, and every pregnant woman’s genetic background is different, therefore they may metabolize alcohol differently. And, more importantly, EVERY DEVELOPING BABY IS DIFFERENT! And because of that, alcohol could, AND has affected babies throughout the years differently – the brain damage and physical damage is more in some children, and less in others.
- Alcohol is a likely toxin to the innocent unborn baby. That is, it can harm the developing fetus. As a result, we encourage pregnant women and women who are planning on getting pregnant not to take the risk of drinking.
- Because drinking alcohol during pregnancy is a potentially high risk to the baby, the only SAFE amount of alcohol is NONE.
- There is no safe amount, but binge drinking, which is defined as 4 or more drinks at one event is extremely toxic and much more dangerous to the baby.
- Even though many articles, books, news reports and even physicians may say it is ok to drink while pregnant, would you take the risk of hurting your baby’s brain?
- Remember, tell your friends, and tell your family members that: there is no safe time … there is no safe kind … and there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy.
While it has become clear that drinking during pregnancy can damage the fetal central nervous system, these outcomes can also be influenced by factors such as timing, type, amount, and duration of alcohol exposure. One 'oddity' of prenatal exposure to alcohol is there are large individual differences in its effects. Some individuals whose mothers drink heavily may exhibit few effects whilst others whose mothers drink less may exhibit much greater effects. To be safe, however, no drinking during pregnancy would be wise. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research (2012, September 14). Maternal drinking during pregnancy can damage the earliest fetal learning. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 19, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2012/09/120914191639.htm
Remember NONE for NINE
No safe time. No safe amount. If you’re pregnant, don’t drink. If you drink, don’t get pregnant.