Project Support Officer at NOFASD Australia. Advocating for the prevention of alcohol affected pregnancies & an improved quality of life for all living with FASD.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a preventable yet lifelong condition caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. It can severely impact both physical and cognitive development, leading to health and behavioural challenges. In Australia, where 77% of people aged 14+ drink alcohol, awareness is critical. Many pregnancies are unplanned, and women often consume alcohol in the early stages, unaware of the potential harm. Early weeks of pregnancy are the most sensitive to alcohol exposure, increasing the risk of FASD. Raising awareness is key, not just for expecting mothers but also for partners and the broader community. Fathers' and partners' alcohol consumption also play an important role, research shows that women are more likely to stop drinking if supported by their partner. FASD prevention must focus on education, support, and reducing stigma. Please note: this is not a real news article and has been created based on my own research. #FASD #Awareness #Prevention #HealthEducation #Support
Excellent post Soraya Drinkwater NOFASD Australia
FASD Coach & Educator and Executive Administrator, Strategic Services at Seniors, Community and Social Services, Government of Alberta
3moAlthough FASD may in theory preventable, until we, as a society, understand which woman would drink while pregnant (eg, trauma, poverty, domestic violence, mental health issues and more), and provide the supports women need to deal with these issues, it truly is not preventable. We need to stop stigmatizing women so much so that they will confirm use of drugs but not alcohol. When women are not turned away from shelters or treatment centres, when they can get mental health services that address their needs instead of forcing them into a system that is not person centric, when no family is forced to live in poverty, maybe FASD can truly be prevented. In the meantime we need to empathetic and supportive and stop the blame and shame game.