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Public health officials: Alcohol and pregnancy don't mix

By Staff Writer

When it comes to preventing mental problems and substance abuse that may require treatment at rehab facilities, the work starts in the womb, public health officials are saying.

Despite years of awareness campaigns, there are still women who smoke or drink when they are pregnant. While both types of substances are dangerous to the developing fetus, alcohol can cause serious mental and developmental problems, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a condition that affects an estimated 40,000 babies each year, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

In fact, September 7-12 is marked as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Week, and experts say this condition can lead to irreversible physical, mental and behavioral damage that may include learning disabilities such as poor coordination and delayed speech development.

Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Janice Kopelman said that "while some women may consume alcohol before they even realize they are pregnant, we want to remind any woman of child-bearing age to monitor alcohol use and to stop drinking if she is trying to conceive."

Across the country, there are many drug and alcohol rehab centers that have programs designed especially for women, including those who may become pregnant.