[Fasd_canadian_link] Booze during pregnancy like Russian roulette

[Elspeth Ross]

http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2197848
The Sault Star
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
News
Canada

Booze during pregnancy like Russian roulette
Posted By CATHY DOBSON, SUN MEDIA
Posted 2 days ago [as of November 30, 2009]

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can impact the brain, yet 30 per 
cent of pregnant women still drink, says a leading expert on Fetal 
Alcohol Syndrome.

Donna DeBolt, an advocate for children and adults debilitated by 
prenatal exposure to alcohol, conducted a recent two-day workshop in 
Sarnia for frontline children's services workers.

"We don't know how much alcohol it takes to have an impact," she told 
about 50 workshop participants at the Lambton Inn. "So drinking at 
all is like playing Russian roulette.

"The best message we can get out there is that if you drink, don't 
get pregnant."

In Canada, it's believed about 360,000 people live with Fetal Alcohol 
Syndrome (FAS).

Ten per cent have specific facial characteristics including eyes that 
appear to be a farther apart than usual and a thin upper lip.

The other 90% look normal but have difficulty processing information. 
The damage to their brains makes it difficult to learn from the 
consequences of their actions, to stop impulsive behaviour and use 
sound judgment.

"Their rate of development is the big issue. They get further behind 
as they grow older and they can't meet expectations," DeBolt said. 
"It leaves them frustrated and angry."
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