Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day is one of the most important days on the calendar, because what could be more important for a mother than the health of her child? There are active campaigns in America to promote alcohol-free pregnancy and raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol to the fetus. Scientists still do not know how much alcohol is considered safe for a developing fetus, so doctors are unanimous in their opinion – any alcohol experiments should be abandoned during pregnancy.

History

For a long time, alcoholic beverages have been used to treat certain pathological conditions in pregnant women. With the help of alcohol, they tried to stop premature birth. The method developed by Dr. Fritz Fuchs involved intravenous administration of alcohol and provision of adequate treatment. Soon, irreversible pathological changes in the development of the fetus associated with alcohol were discovered. Fetal alcohol syndrome manifests itself in different ways: hyperactive behavior or, vice versa, slow thinking. The situation is complicated by the fact that it is difficult to diagnose the condition.

Useful facts

• The first Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day was held in 1999. An event organized by parents of fetal children, as well as the head of the FAS Community Resource Center.
• September 9 was chosen for a reason – the ninth day of the ninth month should remind young mothers how important it is to give up alcohol throughout pregnancy.
• According to statistics, a woman drinks up to 4 servings of alcohol at a time.
• There are no safe alcoholic beverages. This applies to absolutely any alcohol, regardless of the alcohol content.
• Different doctors deal with the treatment of fetal alcohol syndrome: pediatricians, psychologists, and geneticists.

How to take part

Participate in activities to raise awareness about fetal alcohol syndrome. Spread the word on social media; it is really important. Be sure to use the hashtag #FASDAwareness.

When is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day in 2023?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day is observed on September 9 each year.

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