'You drink poison for fun?' asked the alien to the human.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome aka FAS is the most common preventable form of mental disability in the world. Even though 100% preventable, FAS is irreversible. But what is it you ask?

Foetal alcohol syndrome arises from consuming alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol travels from the bloodstream of the expectant mother, through the placental tissue, directly to the tissues of the growing foetus. When the mom drinks alcohol, she can sober up using her liver breaking down the alcohol (metabolizing it), the foetus cannot do this. Because the foetus can’t metabolize the alcohol, 100% of it gets absorbed into the tissues, causing irreversible long-term damage, for the baby once born.

FAS has serious effects on:

1.      Mental capacity

2.      Behaviour

3.      Physical presentation

4.      Overall economic potential

South Africa as a nation holds the 6th top global position for alcohol consumption, which can clearly be seen reflected in the FAS statistics with a staggering 29/1000 FAS births in 2016 according to a 2021 study. This is more than double the estimated global prevalence.

Despite what many old wife’s tales may say, milk stout or one glass of wine is not healthy for your baby. There is no healthy agreed-upon limit on alcohol intake during pregnancy. It is for this reason that women are advised by physicians and dietitians to stop drinking alcohol when they are trying to conceive.

If you are considering falling pregnant, not drinking alcohol is vital. Here are some ways to do that:

·         Inform family and friends that you have decided to take a break from alcohol

·         Enjoy mock-tails (non-alcoholic alternatives)

·         Ask a friend or family member to enjoy mock-tails as your sober buddy.

·         Double-check the label to ensure that drinks contain 0.00% alcohol

·         Avoid high-risk areas i.e. bars and pubs

Remember: FAS is irreversible but 100% preventable.

If you’d like to find out more about FAS, keep a lookout on out podcast for the next episode. Available on Spotify and Apple (https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nLabP1wGz9Q2xEHVGl2UX?si=D5uVQhEPSIKymjnYDxUVLA).

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Until next time

Shelldon Athena Breda, RD, M.Sc.