Submitted by the Regional KidsFirst Community Developers in Southeast Saskatchewan
September 9th is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day. The first FASD Awareness Day was celebrated on 9/9/99. This day was chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that a woman should abstain from alcohol during the nine months of pregnancy.
Proclamations are issued in countries, states, provinces, and communities all around the world. Bells are rung at 9:09 a.m. in every time zone.
Alcohol does more damage to a developing baby than any other substance. Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause brain damage, birth defects, premature birth, and even death. More babies are born with FASD than with Autism.
Most children with FASD have normal appearance; however all will have brain damage. Most of these children will have serious problems in life. They are likely to have learning disabilities and behavior problems in school. They may struggle with relationships, substance abuse, or trouble with the law. Most will have some kind of mental health issues.
Half of all women who might become pregnant are drinking alcohol. Half of all pregnancies are unplanned. If you are pregnant, don't drink. If you drink, don't get pregnant.
For more parenting tips, visit www.shareitforward.ca.
