The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Submitted By Flin Flon / Creighton FASD Committee During the month of September, the Flin Flon / Creighton Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Committee joins communities across the world in bringing awareness to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder refers to the many physical and brain disabilities that may occur to an individual whose mother drank alcohol while pregnant. In Canada, as many as nine out of 1,000 births today are affected by FASD. Mothers drinking alcohol during pregnancy is one of the leading causes of disabilities and birth defects among Canadian children. Why are so many Canadian children being born with FASD? There may not be just one easy answer to this question, but we do know issues like lack of information, peer pressure, homelessness, violence and child abuse, isolation, poor mental health, addiction and lack of access to resources can contribute to alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol is the single most widely accepted and used substance in society. In 2010, 77 per cent of Canadians reported drinking alcohol in the last year. And according to the Canadian Addictions survey, 76 per cent of women surveyed reported drinking in the last year. When we look at pregnancy, research shows that 50 per cent of pregnancies are unplanned and most women don't realize they are pregnant until six weeks or more into their pregnancy. All women of childbearing age, regardless of race or income level, who are sexually active and consuming alcohol are at risk of having a child with FASD. As a community, we need to stop pointing the finger and join together to try and reduce the incidence of FASD. If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant in the near future, do not drink alcohol. No amount or type of alcohol is considered safe. If you are a pregnant woman remember less alcohol is better but no alcohol is the best and safest choice. It is never too late to cut down or stop drinking during your pregnancy. Even a small change can make a big difference for your baby. If you find it hard to give up alcohol and need help not to drink, call the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba at 687-1771 or CADAC Out-Patient Centre at 688 - 8291. If you are a friend of a pregnant woman, remember that a true friend would not pour or offer alcohol to a pregnant friend no matter what the occasion may be. Never suggest that just one will do no harm. Always have non-alcoholic beverages available at parties. Be supportive and tell your pregnant friend how proud you are about her decision not to drinkÉ and try not to drink in her presence. Working together, communities can prevent FASD by supporting pregnant women and their partners avoid alcohol during pregnancy. For more information on the Flin Flon / Creighton FASD Committee, call 687-3900.
