The Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership along with NHS Highland are raising awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) throughout September.
FASD is the leading known preventable cause of learning disability worldwide. Affected children can have a wide range of physical, growth and neurobehavioural problems which impact on their everyday lives and limit their independence.
Deborah Stewart, Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Coordinator, said: “FASD is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that can be caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol is a toxin that can damage the baby’s health. The good news is FASD is preventable”.
Eve MacLeod, Health Improvement Specialist, NHS Highland said: “When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it passes from her blood through the placenta to the developing baby. Everyone can make a difference in preventing FASD. The key message is; No alcohol when pregnant is the best and safest option”.
“We will share messaging that supports alcohol-free pregnancies during FASD Awareness Month. The short videos have been developed with support from the Highland Midwifery Voice Partnership. These include ways we can all help by supporting our friends and family. We will also share messaging from Alcohol Focus Scotland, the national charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harm.”
In September each year, communities around the world raise awareness of the benefits of spending the nine months of pregnancy free from alcohol. Scotland's Chief Medical Officer advises that women who are trying to become pregnant or are pregnant should avoid drinking alcohol.
Research has not established a 'safe' level of alcohol intake while pregnant. What is clear is that the risk of harm to the unborn baby increases the more alcohol is consumed and 'binge' drinking is especially harmful.
The campaign encourages awareness that during pregnancy or when trying to conceive: No alcohol means No risk of FASD. And that: Everyone has a role to play in supporting pregnant women to avoid alcohol.
For more information visit FASD Hub Scotland.