Highland multi-agency body tackling drugs and alcohol harm seeks to raise awareness of learning and physical disabilities caused by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
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The Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership and NHS Highland are raising awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
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.
Partnership co-ordinator Deborah Stewart 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, an NHS Highland health improvement specialist, 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’ve been working with the Highland Midwifery Voice Partnership to support alcohol-free pregnancies.”
Research has not established a ‘safe’ level of alcohol intake while pregnant.
Claire MacPhee, Highland’s midwifery development officer, said: “Partners, family, friends and professionals all have a vital role to play in ensuring the message an alcohol-free pregnancy equals no risk of FASD is accepted by everyone and that any pregnant women struggling to give up alcohol will get the support they need.”
