Prevention-Education-and-Counseling

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Prevention, Education and Counseling

This section provides an overview of resources related to the primary prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and FASDs. It includes videos, Web resources, and patient handouts that might be helpful in discussing the risks associated with alcohol use during pregnancy, how to seek help if a woman is pregnant or trying to get pregnant and cannot stop drinking, and resources for families after suspected or known prenatal alcohol exposure.

The pediatrician can play an important role in the primary prevention of alcohol-exposed pregnancies by taking the opportunity to (1) advise mothers on subsequent pregnancies and (2) advise adolescents about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Prevention: Practitioners and Prevention Education

FASD is completely preventable by abstaining from alcohol while pregnant (and while trying to conceive). While pregnant women are accustomed to hearing varying advice on whether it is safe to drink “lightly,” it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence available that sets a “safe” amount of alcohol that will not affect the developing fetus. Women are encouraged to talk with their obstetricians, pediatricians and other health care providers so that they can not only understand the risks, but also make the best choice for the health of their baby.

The following organizations offer a variety of educational resources for the prevention of alcohol use during pregnancy and FASDs:

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)- NIAAA is one of the 27 institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIAAA supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on human health and well-being. It is the largest funder of alcohol research in the world. Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Youth: A Practitioner's Guide: A resource for conducting alcohol screening and brief intervention with youth.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) FASD Center for Excellence- SAMHSA, US Department of Health and Human Services, is the lead federal agency addressing substance abuse and mental health services. SAMHSA's mission is to build resilience and facilitate recovery for people with or at risk for substance abuse and mental illness. The SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence was launched in 2001 with the mission to facilitate the development and improvement of prevention, treatment, and care systems in the United States by providing national leadership and facilitating collaboration in the field. What You Need to Know: Preventing FASD: Healthy Women, Healthy Babies: This 2-page handout addresses questions about who is at risk, outlines treatment options, and describes ways to prevent FASDs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)- The Children's Health Act of 2000, passed by Congress and signed into law by former President Clinton, required the establishment of the NCBDDD at the CDC. In April 2001, the NCBDDD was officially established. Currently, the center includes 3 divisions: the Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, the Division of Human Development and Disability, and the Division of Blood Disorders. The center’s mission is to promote the health of babies, children, and adults and enhance the potential for full, productive living. Information for Women: This web page contains information for medical home providers to educate and assist women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant and continuing to use alcohol.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Women and Alcohol- In 2011, the ACOG conducted an extensive assessment of the needs of its membership to address at-risk drinking of all women, not only pregnant women. The tools on this web site are responsive to those voiced needs. Screening for at risk alcohol use can be done with a simple validated tool such as those on this site. Just asking, "Do you drink alcohol?" in most instances does not lead to a true response. Patient education handouts are available and are tailored for before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and those not planning to get pregnant.

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS)- NOFAS is the leading voice and resource of the FASD community. Founded in 1990, NOFAS is the only international nonprofit organization committed solely to FASD primary prevention, advocacy, and support. NOFAS strives to prevent alcohol use during pregnancy through primary prevention, advocacy, and support. Find tips for health care providers on how to prevent FASDs. Circle of Hope., an international peer mentoring initiative consisting of FASD birth mothers and women who used alcohol during pregnancy

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