Not a Sip

The Arc builds awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties is passionate about the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), which are 100% preventable. At the beginning of April, Alcohol Awareness Month, The Arc started an education campaign to promote awareness amongst the counties they serve, “No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy,” not a glass with dinner, not a sip, not a dribble. A woman needs to abstain from alcohol if she is pregnant or could become pregnant.

FASDs are not hereditary, they are only caused by the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. There is no cure. However, there are services and programs to help children diagnosed with FASDs to live an enriching and valuable life.

There are four main elements for diagnosing FASDs: The first is a growth deficiency either prenatally or postnatally in weight or height. Second, facial distinctions, usually characterized by short eye slits, a thin upper lip, and a smooth or indistinct philtrum (the central groove between nose and upper lip). Third, central nervous system deficiencies, which can include: small brain size, tremors, attention deficits, intellectual and/or learning disabilities, and impaired motor skills. Lastly, evidence that the birth mother has used alcohol during pregnancy. However, alcohol use by the birth mother, especially with an adopted child, is not always known.

Since definition and recognition of FASDs in the 1970s, The Arc of the United States has been proactive in education and prevention throughout the country. Abstaining from alcohol while pregnant is a simple message that makes a huge impact on future generations’ health. Alcohol and pregnancy: It is just not worth the risk.

In October of 2014, The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties received a mini-grant from The Arc of the United States to help fund the efforts of this vital educational program in the counties served. Receiving the grant closely aligns with The Arc’s objective to help families raise children diagnosed with an Intellectual/Developmental Disability at home and support adults to live in their communities and participate with work, worship, family and friends. Through the grant, The Arc is working with local medical professionals to promote the message to expecting mothers of the dangers of alcohol consumption to their unborn child during pregnancy. Join us, take the pledge, and build awareness that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are one hundred percent preventable.

For more information visit: www.thearc.org/FASD-Prevention-Project.