What is it?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the leading cause of
mental retardation and birth defects in the United
States. It is caused by alcohol use of the mother during
pregnancy. It often results in behavior problems, facial
deformities, abnormal brain functions, and a small birth
weight.
Babies born with this syndrome cry excessively, do
not sleep well, and tremble. They often do not eat well
and are prone to serious infections.
Babies born to women who drink excessively may
actually go through withdrawal. They may have
irritability, shakes, and even seizures.
Alcohol can affect you as well. Many women who drink
during pregnancy have early vaginal bleeding and
complications during pregnancy and delivery.
How Does It Happen?
An adult processes alcohol through her liver, at
about one ounce an hour. A baby’s liver isn’t developed
enough to process alcohol. The baby’s body just holds
the alcohol in its system until the baby’s mother has
been able to process the alcohol in her bloodstream. So,
alcohol is much more harmful to an unborn child than to
an adult.
Is FAS permanent?
There is no way to reverse this damage done to a
child while in uterus. They often have a lifetime of
hardship from brain damage, retardation, learning
disabilities, hyperactivity, and behavior control.
What can I do?
If you have had alcohol during your pregnancy, stop
now. Your baby has a much better chance to be healthy
the sooner you stop. If you have not had any alcohol, do
not start. Beer and wine coolers are just as dangerous
as hard liquor, and will harm the child just as much.
Remember, when you get drunk, your unborn child is drunk
as well.
Remember, FAS is completely preventable.
Be good to yourself and your unborn child - don’t drink
alcohol.
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