Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

1. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

4. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a disorder characterized by mental and physical birth defects as a result of a woman drinking alcohol when she is pregnant.

5. Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) has the same symptoms of FAS, however, the typical physical characteristics seen in children with FAS are often absent in children with FAE, and other symptoms associated with the syndrome sometimes appear in a less severe form.

6. It is estimated that FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation, with an occurrence rate of 1 in 750 live births.

7. It is estimated that 5,000 infants are born each year with FAS and 50,000 with FAE. • Approximately 30 to 40 percent of all women who drink heavily during pregnancy will have a baby with FAS. • It is found in all races and socioeconomic backgrounds.

8. The effects of a woman drinking alcohol when she is pregnant differ throughout the stages of the pregnancy. • Early exposure presents the greatest risk for serious physical defects.

10. Will it hurt my baby even if I don't drink every day?

11. Yes. Even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful. Because no amount of alcohol can be considered safe, pregnant women should avoid all alcohol during the entire pregnancy. (Drinks with alcohol in them include beer, wine, hard liquor and wine coolers.)

12. Whose baby is this??

13. This is Everybody’s Baby! • Medical costs $1,496,000 • Psychiatric care $530,000 • Foster care costs $354,000 • Orthodontia $12,000 • Respite care $6,000 • Special education $240,000 • Supported employment $624,000 • SSI $360,000 • Residential placement $1,376,000 • Total:$ 4,998,000

14. Lifetime costs for one child: $5 million*

15. FAS Statistics • In 1995, four times as many pregnant women frequently consumed alcohol as in 1991.5 Researchers speculate that the increase in alcohol consumption by pregnant women may be attributed to widespread reports on the health benefits of moderate drinking.6

16. 51% of women of child-bearing age between 18-25 and 53% between 26-34, report the use of alcohol within the past month.

17. 7% of women of child-bearing age between 18-25 and 13% between 26-34, report binge drinking (five or more drinks on one occasion) within the past month.

18. A national survey found that more than half of women age 15-44 drank while pregnant. • Of the women who reported drinking during their pregnancy, 66% reported drinking in their first trimester; 54% reported drinking in their third trimester.

19. FAS is estimated to occur in 1 to 2 live births per every 1,000 in the United States each year. • Fetal Alcohol Effects (a less severe set of alcohol-related abnormalities) is estimated to occur in 3-5 live births per every 1,000 in the United States each year.

20. FAS is not just a childhood disorder;13 exposure to alcohol as a fetus can cause a wide range of lifelong physical and mental disabilities

21. Fetal alcohol exposure may increase the risk for later alcohol, tobacco, and drug dependence in adults.

22. A teen with FASD was arrested at school under the new anti-terrorism law for answering a question on a test. The question (an extra credit one) was, "What would you like to change about the school?" His answer was, "Blow it up." He was taken to jail immediately. This is a boy whom the school district knows has FASD. The principal told the mother that he has 3 A's on his report card, so he must know right from wrong

23. FAS and related conditions are 100% PREVENTABLE! • STOP consuming alcoholic drinks BEFORE you become pregnant. • Avoid ALL alcohol products while you are pregnant.