Examples of prevention include outreach, screening, and referrals.  Health care professionals can also provide women with information on where to get services to assure early identification and treatment of FASD. However, despite the documented benefits of providing information and education about alcohol consumption, pregnancy risks, and related FASD prevention, research continues to demonstrate a gap in implementation.

Fortunately, there is a growing amount of FASD education available. For example, the New York State Chapter of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG District II), in partnership with the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, launched Pregnant? Think, Don’t Drink, a public awareness campaign. The goal? Educate women with and without disabilities of childbearing age about the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy and FASD prevention.

ACOG District II assembled a task force comprised of medical professionals and experts on FASD, including representation from New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services to develop the FASD prevention handbook. ACOG District II also produced a patient education video focusing on FASD prevention.

If you have questions about FASD, talk to your doctor. You may also wish to visit the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders section of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Resources:

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Program Toolkit:  http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders-toolkit/Pages/default.aspx

Upcoming Webinars regarding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders:  http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders-toolkit/Pages/Upcoming-Webinars.aspx

*Sue Nigra is the Director of Communications & Outreach at the NYS Chapter of American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists