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Children are the only form of immortality that we can be sure of.
One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome--what is it?
a medical diagnosis that refers to a cluster of anomalies associated with the use of alcohol during pregnancy. Which can include mental retardation, brain dysfunction, physical abnormalities, learning disabilites and psychological disorders.
Cause
Alcohol in the woman's bloodstream passes to the fetus through the placenta and interfers with the ability of the fetus to receive sufficient oxygen and nourishment to allow for normal cell development in the brain and other body organs.
Characteristics and Symptoms
Facial Features:
- Epicanthal folds
- Small widely spaced eyes
- Flat midface
- Short upturned nose
- Smooth wide philtrum
- Thin upper lip
- Underdeveloped jaw
- Sunken nasal bridge
- Low set or poorly formed ears
Please note that one or two of these features can occur due to genetics. It is only when these symptoms present themselves with the central nervous system symptoms as well as prenatal exposure to alcohol can FAS be considered a diagnosis.
Neurological Symptoms:
- Attention Deficits
- Memory Deficits
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulty with abstract concepts
- Poor problem solving skills
- Difficulty learning from consequences
- Poor judgment
- Immature behavior
- Poor impulse control
Characteristics and Symptoms in Infants:
- Low birth weight and trouble gaining weight
- Small head circumference
- Heart defects or anomalies to the ears, eyes, liver, joints and/or genitals
- Irritability
- Poor eating habits, poor sucking response
- Poor sleeping habits
- Extra sensitive to sensory stimulation
- Strong startle reflex
- They may hyperextend their heads or limbs
While FAS is completely preventable, it is important to remember that alcoholism is a disease.
Facts
Alcohol causes more damage to a developing fetus than any other substance including marijuana, heroine and cocaine--Institute of Medicine
More children are born with FAS than with Downs Syndrome or Spina Bifida--Journal of American Medical Association
Over 50% or women of childbearing age drink alcohol--American Medical Association only 39% of women know what FAS is--National Institute of Health
The incidence of drinking during pregnancy has increased substantially in the past several years, possibily due to the misleading media message that a drink a day is healthy--Center for Disease Control and Prevention
At least 5,000 infants are born each year in the US with full-blown FAS, or approx. one out of every 750 live births--American Medical Association
National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) is committed to developing and implementing innovative ideas in prevention, education, intervention, and advocacy in communities both nationally and internationally.
http://www.nofas.org/default.aspx
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her unborn baby. There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant and there also does not appear to be a safe time to drink during pregnancy either.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/
The FAS Family Resource Institute
In defense of innocence, it is the mission of the F.A.S. Family Resource Institute, a non-profit educational organization; to identify, understand and care for each person with FASD.
http://www.fetalalcoholsyndrome.org/
The best defense is prevention - resources for women:
Women for Sobriety
Women For Sobriety, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women overcome alcoholism and other addictions. Our "New Life" program helps achieve sobriety and sustain ongoing recovery. Contact us. http://womenforsobriety.org/
Betty Ford Center
As a recovering alcoholic woman, I know how alcoholism and drug addiction can affect the lives of families and loved ones. I’m also fortunate to know first hand the power of intervention, the process that took me to the drug and alcohol rehabilitation center where my personal journey of recovery began. Sadly, there is still very little assistance available for those whose lives have been touched by this disease. I am proud to have my name associated with a non-profit drug and alcohol rehabilitation center that offers hope and a special place of healing. http://www.bettyfordcenter.org/
Safe Harbor House
Safe Harbor Treatment Center is a licensed extended-care, chemical dependency treatment program designed for the specific needs of women. Give them a call! http://www.safeharborhouse.com/home.html
Stepping Ahead
Stepping Ahead is a Structured Drug and Alcohol Relapse Prevention Program for Women Only. We are located in North Palm Beach, Florida and offer women in recovery a safe, and chemical-free atmosphere in which to recover. http://steppingahead.net/
Women in Recovery
Women In New Recovery (WINR) has been helping rebuild the lives of women addicts and alcoholics since 1993. http://www.winr.org/
Bernie Lorenz Recovery
There is no cure, there is no guarantee, but there is hope. Through the program offered at Bernie Lorenz Recovery, women have the opportunity to recover from the devastating effects of alcoholism and drug addiction.
http://www.bernielorenzrecovery.org/
Sober Moms
A community for women and mothers in recovery.
http://www.sobermoms.com/
Women's Recovery Association
WRA provides chemical dependency treatment programs for women, girls and their families.
http://www.womensrecovery.org/
Serenity House
Serenity House accepts professional women who test drug and alcohol free who want to continue their new path.
http://www.mandarava.com/services/serenity_house/
Stepping Ahead
Stepping Ahead is a Structured Drug and Alcohol Relapse Prevention Program for Women Only.
http://www.steppingahead.net/
