September 2013

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By Al Romeo, R.N., Ph.D. The ninth day of the ninth month, September 9th, is celebrated as International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day to remind women to avoid alcohol during the nine months of pregnancy. This year is the 40th year since pediatricians Kenneth Jones and David Smith, among others, first reported Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

As medical professionals learn more about the complex interactions of maternal and fetal genetics, nutritional moderators, and environmental triggers, it is clear that quantifying the risk of alcohol use for an individual mother and fetus pair is not currently possible. There is no known safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy.

Medical Home team members have opportunities to reinforce the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy and continuing to do so while breastfeeding and throughout subsequent pregnancies. Such avoidance will prevent alcohol-related birth defects, developmental delays, and lifelong impairment, as well as reduce the burden to families and society of managing the ongoing problems that individuals with FASD experience.

For questions about alcohol use in pregnancy or breastfeeding or to request training for your Medical Home staff regarding FASD, please visit MotherToBaby or call 801-328-2229. For information about FASD or local resources, please visit the Medical Home Portal at Medical Home Portal (a diagnosis module on FASD is coming soon).