Today is International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Day - SA ranks highly

In 2006, the Western Cape Government reported that South Africa has the highest rate of babies born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in the world. That sounds scary considering that we are a third world country, that also has a large population of people that suffer from poverty and not having access to basic amenities. 

So how is it okay that alcohol is attainable and consumed during pregnancy? Well, "each year at nine minutes past nine on the ninth day of the ninth month, International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Day is celebrated and attention is drawn to the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy." (WCG website)

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What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? 

FAS or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a condition in which alcohol causes growth problems, brain damage, behavioural problems, and developmental issues in unborn babies. This condition occurs when a woman consumes an excessive amount of alcohol while she is pregnant. (Recovery Direct)

The effects of consuming alcohol during pregnancy can be detrimental to your child both on mental and physical levels. "The damage can include attention deficit disorder, low IQ level, facial deformaties, immune system malfunctioning, memory loss and low birth weight." (WCG Website)

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WATCH the video below (courtesy of YouTube):

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Some of the messages that the health department tries to highlight to mothers to be or women who are planning a pregnancy or are sexually active are:

• Stop drinking alcohol if you are thinking of falling pregnant.
• Stop drinking alcohol if you are pregnant.
• Whatever the mother drinks so does the unborn baby.
• Alcohol harms unborn babies and results in them needing special care for the rest of their lives because they could suffer from physical defects, abnormal facial anomalies and be mentally challenged.
• Do not fall pregnant if you drink alcohol. Use contraceptives. 

(Courtesy of the WCG Website)

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Carol Ofori found the below video online and we were all shocked to hear that many people have been advised by their doctors that they can drink alcohol during pregnancy, whilst others were none the wiser and never really questioned if they shouldn't...

Courtesy of YouTube:

Image Courtesy of iStock