Letter to the editor
Sept. 3, 2010
Doctors warn against alcohol and pregnancy
Dear editor:
September 9 is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day and doctors in the
province encourage Nova Scotians to learn about the affects alcohol could have on a
developing baby.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term used to describe a full range of
physiological and neurological disabilities that may occur as a result of prenatal alcohol
exposure.
It’s important for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to know the risks
of consuming alcohol during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol when you are pregnant can cause
brain damage in the developing baby. Children and adults who are affected by FASD may have
a hard time learning and controlling their behaviour. For example, they may have trouble
adding, subtracting and handling money, thinking things through or reasoning, learning from
experience, understanding consequences of actions, remembering things, and getting along
with others.
The impact of alcohol on the fetus can range in severity and depends on factors like how
much, when and how often the mother drinks, and the mother's and baby's genetic makeup and
overall health. However, this isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s important for women who are
pregnant, or expecting to be pregnant, to receive support from their partner and their
community.
The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that drinking even small amounts of alcohol at
any time while a woman is pregnant can have a negative impact on the developing brain of
her unborn baby. Even consuming one or two drinks a week may put a baby at risk.
The Government of Canada recommends that there is no safe time or safe amount of alcohol to
drink when pregnant or when planning to become pregnant.
There is no cure for FASD; people affected by the disability live with it their entire
lives.
Doctors in Nova Scotia encourage women who are pregnant, or planning to be pregnant, to
avoid drinking alcohol. Some women may have a difficult time not drinking during pregnancy
and it’s important to know that support is available to you. For more information, talk to
your doctor or visit www.gov.ns/hpp/addictions.
Sincerely,
Jane Brooks, MD, PhD, CCFP
President