Avoid alcohol to avoid Foetal Alcohol Spectrum charity warns

A charity dedicated to supporting people affected by foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), is using September to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

NOFAS-UK, supports the families and children affected by the disorder and aims to raise public and professional awareness.

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are caused by women drinking alcohol during their pregnancy.

When the alcohol passes through the placenta, the undeveloped liver of the foetus can not filter out the toxins.

This can cause damage to brain cells and the nervous system.

It is estimated to affect around one percent of the UK population, but due to the difficulty of obtaining a correct diagnoses, it is likely to be much higher.

The effects of FAS can cause reduced intellectual ability and attention deficit disorder.

Many children experience serious behavioural and social difficulties.

Daniel Gerrard, Founder of Addiction Helper, is urging women to avoid alcohol during their pregnancy, saying: “There is no proven safe level for alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the only risk-free approach is to avoid.”