International FASD Awareness Day is observed every year on 9 September in recognition of the importance of being alcohol-free for the nine months of a pregnancy.
Throughout the entire month of September, community events to mark FASD Awareness take place around the world providing opportunities to raise awareness about FASD, to pause, to reflect and consider the benefits of an alcohol-free pregnancy. Check the events calendar to see if there is an event need you.
What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability caused by exposure to alcohol before birth. It is the most common preventable non-genetic cause of developmental disability in Australia.
When alcohol is consumed during pregnancy it crosses the placenta, interrupting the normal development of the baby's brain and other organs. FASD is the diagnostic term for the neurodevelopmental impairments that result from brain damage caused by alcohol exposure before birth.
People with FASD can have a range of challenges with physical activities, cognitive function, and behaviour. It is a 'spectrum' because there is a wide variation in the type and severity of impairments people experience.
It is important to note that FASD is only one part of a person's identity. People with FASD have the same hopes and fears as others. They have families who love them and friends they cherish. They have strengths and difficulties as we all do.
Preventing FASD
There is no safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) have developed guidelines that provide health professionals, policy makers and the Australian community with evidence-based advice on the health effects of drinking alcohol. The NHMRC advises that to prevent harm from alcohol to their unborn child, women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol.
Despite the clear guidelines, statistics show that in Australia an estimated 60% of pregnancies are exposed to alcohol, often before the parents are aware that they have conceived. Research has found that even small amounts of alcohol can affect a developing foetus, with the most severe outcome being FASD.
Raising awareness around FASD is important as research has shown that a third of Australians aren't aware that drinking alcohol can lead to FASD. Furthermore, one in four Australians didn't know that alcohol should be completely avoided during pregnancy.
Preventing FASD is the responsibility of the whole community. If your family member is pregnant, you can show them support by not drinking with them and creating an alcohol-free family environment.
Resources
As a community member, you can learn more about FASD, share information and raise awareness through your networks.
FASD Hub – The leading source of evidence-based information about alcohol and pregnancy and FASD in Australia.
Every Moment Matters (FARE) – This website is for a recent nationwide multi component communications campaign that aims to prevent FASD. It includes evidence-based information and resources about alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding for community members and health professionals.
Strong Born - is a national campaign that raises awareness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of FASD and the harms of drinking alcohol while pregnant and breastfeeding. Several resources were developed for health professionals and the community.
NoFASD Australia – This website provides a range of resources and information about FASD for the community, families, and health workers.
Yarning about Alcohol + Pregnancy - Dedicated resources for Aboriginal women and their families are available on Your Room. For quick guides, resources and videos on how to stay off alcohol during pregnancy and the role family and friends play in supporting a pregnant woman.
Stay Strong and Healthy Facebook page - For health information and content about pregnancy, having a young baby and how alcohol during pregnancy can affect a baby's development.
Getting help
If you need help to have an alcohol-free pregnancy, you can speak with your doctor, midwife, or obstetrician for support, advice and guidance.
If you're struggling to cut down your alcohol consumption, help is available – and it's free! The Get Healthy in Pregnancy Service is a telephone-based coaching service that provides NSW residents over 18 with a free personal health coach to guide and support them during their pregnancy. You can speak to a Get Healthy in Pregnancy Service coach by calling 1300 806 258 or sign up online
For free and confidential advice 24/7 call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015. Counsellors are available to provide information, referrals, crisis counselling and support. Or start a Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor online Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm.
