Environmental Strategies for Prevention
A Guide To Helping the Prevention Professional Work Effectively in the Community
The Problem of FASD
About 40,000 babies are born every year with some form of FASD. The effects can include brain damage, growth deficiencies, central nervous system deficits, abnormalities of the heart, eyes, ears, kidneys, and skeleton, facial deformities, and other symptoms. FASD is caused only by alcohol use during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman drinks, the alcohol crosses the placenta into the fetal blood system, reaching the fetus and all its developing tissues and organs. Experts now warn that no drinking of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
Prenatal alcohol exposure is the most preventable cause of developmental disabilities. Yet, 1 in 10 women in the United States drinks alcohol while pregnant. ref Children and families can learn to live with FASD. But FASD is a lifelong condition.
Societal norms regarding alcohol use during pregnancy are much like the norms for smoking in the 50s and 60s -- in other words, there is still a widespread lack of knowledge and understanding about the problem. Despite the growing availability of information, many doctors and health practitioners are uninformed about FASD and its causes and consequences. As a result, many pregnant women aren't hearing about the risks they will face if they drink.
The case study below illustrates how one State -- Alaska-with support from SAMHSA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- is taking steps to prevent FASD, provide services for those affected, and evaluate program outcomes.
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Last Updated: 3/18/05
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
