FAS describes children who have growth retardation and physical and central nervous system abnormalities as a result of being exposed to alcohol while their mothers were pregnant with them. Alcohol can cause irreversible damage to the developing foetus.

• Preventing FAS
• Treatment
• Risk Factors
• How to get the service
• Useful contacts

The service is two-pronged. Firstly, it aims to prevent FAS by educating, informing and counselling mothers about the dangers of drinking while pregnant.

Secondly, it aims to diagnose and treat affected children. Apart from physical abnormalities, children with FAS can also have neurological, behavioural, and learning problems. Programmes are currently being developed to identify and assist high-risk mothers and to diagnose children with FAS as early as possible. Although many of these children experience learning problems, stimulation and management programmes are being developed to assist parents and caregivers. Should a parent/caregiver or teacher be worried about a child, the child can be taken to the nearest clinic from where the child will be referred to the most appropriate service for further assessment.

• Any alcohol consumed by a pregnant mother: It is not safe to use any alcohol during pregnancy!
• The time of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
• Additional substance abuse.
• The older the pregnant mother who drinks alcohol, the higher the risk to the foetus.
• The effects of alcohol on the developing foetus get worse with every consecutive pregnancy, if the mother continues to drink.
• Genetic factors: the genetic make-up of the mother and/or foetus might protect them from or make them vulnerable to the effects of alcohol.
• The health and nutritional status of the mother.
• Poverty.
• Low maternal education.
• If there is a drinking partner.

You can get this service at primary health care clinics, antenatal clinics or at secondary and tertiary hospitals if referred up the line.

If you are a first time visitor to a health facility, you will be asked to fill out a form and a folder will be opened. Bring your ID book, any medication you are taking and a clinic or hospital card, if previously registered at the facility. Bring the child's Road to Health Chart. If you are worried about your alcohol consumption, or have questions to ask the health worker, please do so.