The Department of Social Development has again warned pregnant women not to consume alcohol during their pregnancy and play their part against Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Today it commemorates International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day, under the theme “Everyone Plays a Part.”
The department said the theme serves as a call to support a society that is both supportive of people with FASD and supportive of healthy pregnancies.
FASD is caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy, as alcohol acts as a powerful toxin (poison) to the developing foetus and can affect the foetus within 20 minutes after the ingestion of alcohol.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa has the 7th highest per capita reported rate of alcohol consumption in the world.
“While the worldwide rate of FASD sits at 1,5%, in South Africa the prevalence rate ranges between 2,7% and up to 28% in some communities.
South Africa is one of the top ten countries that consume alcohol, and drinking during pregnancy is common as most people, especially women consider drinking as a coping strategy for any challenges.
According to research, Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces have the most prevalence of FASD followed by the Gauteng Province,” said the department spokesperson, Bathembu Futshane.
In addition, the department said the term FASD refers to the wide range of physical, behavioural, and cognitive impairments that occur due to alcohol exposure before birth.
It affects the development of all foetal tissue and organs, although the brain and the nervous system are the most vulnerable.
The department said these impairments may appear at any time during childhood and last a lifetime.
“Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can result in FASD by interfering with development of the baby’s brain and other critical organs and physiological functions.
This can lead to deficits after birth and beyond. Alcohol can disrupt development at any stage, even before a woman knows that she is pregnant.
Research shows that binge drinking and heavy drinking during pregnancy put a developing baby at the greatest risk for severe problems.
However, even lesser amounts can cause harm.
In fact, there is no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy,” added Futshane.
The department highlighted that individuals with FASD experience day-to-day challenges, which may include cognitive and behavioural impairments as well as secondary disabilities including medical, educational, mental health, and social challenges, throughout their life.
“Early identification of FASD is critical for the well-being of individuals affected by prenatal alcohol exposure and their families.
Early identification can maximize help in the treatment of FASD and in building supportive networks with other individuals and families impacted by FASD.
Unfortunately, FASD is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
This may be due to a lack of information about prenatal alcohol exposure or difficulty in distinguishing FASD from other developmental disorders that might have similar cognitive or behavioural symptoms,” said Futshane.
