Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: we all knew or at least imagined what it was even before anybody gave us the definition for it. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy has so many risks including physical, mental and neurological, that all range in severity to the infant. This disorder actually breaks down into two categories; Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE).
Did you know that Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one of the most common causes of mental retardation and THE ONLY ONE THAT IS 100% PREVENTABLE!! This is a devastating statistic, especially considering it is the second highest congenital (present at birth) infection in the United States.
This condition is marked by hyperactivity, impulsiveness, difficulty maintaining attention, varying degrees of mental retardation, motor problems, heart defects, and facial abnormalities. Even those who were somewhat exposed to prenatal alcohol have shown impairments in learning, memory, language, and attention. Sadly, all of these effects are irreversible and will in fact last a lifetime.
This condition is marked by hyperactivity, impulsiveness, difficulty maintaining attention, varying degrees of mental retardation, motor problems, heart defects, and facial abnormalities. Even those who were somewhat exposed to prenatal alcohol have shown impairments in learning, memory, language, and attention. Sadly, all of these effects are irreversible and will in fact last a lifetime. There are also some facial features and patterns that are known characteristics of this syndrome. Some are thin lips, small eyes, and an upturned nose.
There is no amount of alcohol that should be taken by someone who is pregnant or even trying to get pregnant. There is a National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in the United States that is not only trying to make the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy more aware, but has different treatment and support systems for those diagnosed.
I also read a heartbreaking story about a woman named Donna Williams who is brave enough to talk about how the result of FASD have affected her. This is a small excerpt from her blog.
"I was late to develop, toiletted by 3 and a half, echolalic until gaining functional speech by age 9-11. I was faceblind, saw my world in bits (Simultagnosia) and so was meaning blind, object blind, context blind and was also meaning deaf. I could learn physically and by rote and was great with lists, but learning from watching or listening, forget it."
It is a very controversial and intense subject, (FAS). People have many different beliefs on drinking whilst pregnant and therefore many people get offended with either decision. I agree with those who believe drinking during pregnancy should have zero tolerance. The effects are clearly visible and have been seen over and over in many affected children. Very well executed. You presented statistics which enhanced your point and your video was relevant to your subject. Mothers should be aware of the negative effects they are literally giving to their children and they should sacrifice their pleasure for the normalcy of their unborn child throughout their life. It is not only about physical normalcy, but the cognitive aspect as well. Children suffer while learning in school and also socially. There are many degrees of severity, but the fact is mothers shouldn’t want to expose their prenatal infants to harm at all.
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