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Understanding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Begins with Awareness
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a preventable condition that affects unborn children when their mother drinks alcohol while pregnant. FAS can cause a person to develop physical and mental health problems, a characteristic set of physical features, and/or an inability to learn and function normally. The risk of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can be minimized when pregnant women abstain from alcohol and other drugs.
and Health
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome prevention begins with understanding the risks and strategies to reduce them. Here are a few tips to help ensure healthier and safer pregnancies and postnatal health for your child:
Stop Drinking before Becoming Pregnant and/or Contemplating Pregnancy
If you are sexually active and are considering becoming pregnant, it is best to stop drinking alcohol immediately. Once you become pregnant and stop drinking, your risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is greatly diminished.
Avoid Alcohol at All Costs during Pregnancy
Once you confirm that you are pregnant, it is important to completely avoid all alcohol for the remainder of the pregnancy. As there is no known safe amount of alcohol that you can consume during pregnancy, it is best to abstain from all forms of alcohol as a part of your Fetal Alcohol Syndrome prevention efforts.
Know the Facts
It is important to understand the risks of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and the strategies that can help prevent it. Educating yourself and your partners can be an important way of encouraging an alcohol-free pregnancy.
Find Resources and Support
Reaching out for help and support can be an important step for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome prevention. If you are struggling to abstain from alcohol or have had difficulty in the past, there are many resources to help you. Organizations such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Foundation can all provide tips, resources, and support.
Understanding and practicing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome prevention can be an important step in ensuring a healthier and safer pregnancy. By educating yourself and those around you, finding resources and support, and avoiding alcohol at all costs, you can help ensure the best health outcomes for your child and family.