Why Alcohol And Pregnancy Do Not Mix (NAPSA)—Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause problemsthat last throughout a baby’s lifetime. Yet, many babies are born with birth defects that are completely preventable. One in eight women drink while pregnant. Rates among women of childbearing age for binge drinking or having seven or more drinks a week have not fallen in recent years. Binge drinkingis defined as five or more drinks on oneoccasion. The United States Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona,stresses the importance of not drinking during pregnancyat his site: www.surgeongeneral.gov. While this mes- vented if women did not drink during pregnancy. health care professionals and all trying to become pregnant, do not especially important for those who are already pregnant. WomenNeed To Get the Facts: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), one of a number of birth defects and developmental disorders known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). These birth defects can cause problems in how a person looks, grows, learns and acts. These problemslast lifetime. * No amount of alcohol is known to be safe. Even a small amount might cause problems. Alcohol can harm a baby at Even if you are not trying to get pregnant, but could become pregnant, do not drink alcohol. e If you are pregnant and drinking alcohol, stop now. Mothers to be are not the only ones who can prevent FASD. Friends and family members can play an important role by encouraging womento avoid alcohol during pregnancy. Schools, health and social service organizations, and communities can promote FASD prevention activities through education and intervention. If you have questions about alcohol and pregnancy, talk to your doctor, nurse or other health care professional. sage is important for parents, women who can have children, it’s any time during pregnancy. It can cause problems in the early weeks of pregnancy even before a woman knowssheis pregnant. Ways to prevent FASD: If you are pregnant or are Many birth defects could be pre- drink alcohol. For more information, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site at www.cde.gov/nebddd/fas.
