Both the Native infant mortality rate and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome rate are more than twice the national average. |
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is birth defects, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges due to the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. FASD range from slight or mild to severe mental retardation and even fetal death. |
Alaska has the highest known incidence of FAS in the nation. Alaskans purchased enough alcohol in 1999 to provide every man, woman, and child in Alaska with 516 drinks. About 30 percent of Alaskans do not drink. Alaska’s data indicates that for every 1 person who has FAS, there are 8-9
additional individuals with significant brain damage from prenatal exposure to alcohol. FAS is the leading cause of mental retardation in the Western World. Alaska is among the top 5 states for the highest prevalence of binge drinking (5 or more drinks on an occasion or 30 or more drinks per month) among women of reproductive age. |
THE COMMON EFFECTS OF FASD Low Birth Weight
Impaired Growth
Facial Malformation
Small Head Size
Sleeping Problems
Poor Feeding
Excessive Crying
Organ Damage
Intellectual and Developmental Delays
Birth Defects
Hyperactivity
Respiratory Problems
Inattention
Sensory Integration Problems |
There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy.
Any drinking puts the fetus at risk.
FASD is 100 % preventable.
If you do not drink alcohol during pregnancy, FASD cannot occur.
The damage alcohol does to affected individuals is permanent. |
