Chester County to Recognize Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day

Every year, September 9th is recognized as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) International Awareness Day. FASD is an umbrella term for the different physical, mental, behavioral, and/ or learning disability effects which an individual experiences from prenatal exposure to alcohol, according to a press release from the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services.

According to the CDC, 1 in 10 pregnant women reported any alcohol consumption, and 1 in 33 reported binge drinking in the past 30 days. FASD’s are 100% preventable if a pregnant woman abstains from all alcohol use during pregnancy, the release states.

Chester County’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Services has partnered with Mas Mexican Cantina to spread FASD awareness and education by offering complimentary “mocktails” to expecting mothers and their partners, and also featuring “Stall Stories” in their bathrooms. “Mocktails” are a non- alcoholic beverage which can be enjoyed by all, according to the Department.

The goal of the mocktail is to spread the prevention message to the community as a whole that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy, according to the release.

“Stall Stories” are flyers which feature a different social awareness campaign each month. When looking at drug and alcohol prevention, a message typically needs to be seen or heard several times before it is effectively remembered, the release states.

Another topic of concern for expecting mothers, or those trying to conceive, is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS can occur in a newborn that was exposed to addictive, illegal, or prescription drugs such as: Amphetamines, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, Opioids, or heroin while in the mother's womb. These drugs pass through the placenta, which is the organ that connects the baby to its mother during pregnancy. When the baby is born, they are no longer getting the drug, and symptoms of withdrawal may occur, according to the Department.

This September, Chester County’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Services will spread education and awareness on the importance of not drinking during pregnancy, eliminating prenatal exposure to addictive, illegal, or prescription drugs, and the need for obtaining proper diagnosis and services for those impacted by FASD or NAS, the release states.