If You're a Woman, You Should Know...
The Facts on FASD
A pregnant woman's unborn child drinks everything she drinks. When she drinks alcohol, it enters her bloodstream then passes through the umbilical cord to the growing baby. Because the fetus cannot eliminate the alcohol as well as the mother, it is subjected to high alcohol levels for a longer time.
A mother's alcohol use during pregnancy is one of the top preventable causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities. The most serious problems that come from drinking alcohol during pregnancy are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
FASD is a term for the range of effects that can occur when a mother drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral and learning disabilities. FASD can cause problems in how the baby looks, grows, thinks and acts. These effects may not be apparent at birth and may not be noticeable until grade school.
Finally, FASD is the leading preventable birth defect in the United States.
How You Can Prevent It
About half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. Any woman who may become pregnant - now or later - should abstain from drinking alcohol throughout her pregnancy. Even moderate or light drinking is risky. And, all types of alcohol including wine and wine coolers are equally risky.
One Drink Can Last a Lifetime
So how much alcohol is safe? No level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been determined to be safe. Women who consume alcohol during pregnancy put their babies at risk for a multitude of lifelong problems. Experts do not know how much alcohol it takes to cause alcohol-related birth defects. Simply put, there is no proven safe level of alcohol for a woman to consume while she's pregnant. That's why it is best to not drink any alcohol whenever you become pregnant.
What To Do Now
Learn the facts about FASD. Sign "The Pledge" today and commit today to abstain from drinking alcohol during any and all pregnancies by taking the Pledge to Prevent FASD. You could win a "Return to Tiffany" Heart Bracelet just for taking the pledge.
What To Do When You're Due
If you're a woman, someday a baby may be a part of your plans. When that time comes, remember these facts about FASD and the pledge you took in college to abstain from drinking any amount of alcohol while pregnant.
Other Things You Can Do Until You're Due
- Invite your friends to take "The Pledge"
- Encourage other woman not to drink while pregnant
- Text the following to your friends: Thr is no knwn sf lvl of alc 2 cnsm whl preg. Go 2: pledgenofasd.psu.edu
- If you think you have a drinking problem, visit the PSU Health Services today.
