WHEN MOM DRINKS BABY PAYS

FACTS ABOUT FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME

· Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of birth defects that results from drinking alcohol during pregnancy. It occurs in one out every 750 births.

· Children born with may be small in size, have abnormal facial features and central nervous system problems. FAS symptoms are irreversible. Children with EAS never catch up mentally or physically

· FAS is the third leading cause of mental retardation in the United States

· FAS is totally preventable. No alcohol = No FAS.

· Alcohol in any form is alcohol. A can of beer, a glass of wine/wine cooler and a mixed drink all contain the same amount of alcohol.

· Every time a woman drinks, the alcohol passes through the placenta o the unborn baby.

· Alcohol is more harmful to the fetus than the mother because of the unborn baby’s small size and rapid growth rate.

· Even women who drink only on special occasions run the risk of harming their unborn baby.

· Pregnant teenagers are likely to have babies with problems and drinking alcohol may increase these risks.

· There is no “safe’’ drinking level.

To prevent FAS and your chances for a healthy baby…

DON’T DRINK IF YOU ARE PREGNANT

&

SEEK HELP IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL

Information supplied by Michigan Substance Abuse & Traffic Safety

Information Center

2409 East Michigan Ave.

Lansing, MI 48912-4019

(517) 482-9902