Community learns about dangers of drinking during pregnancy
Because alcohol easily crosses the placenta, it disrupts the development of the foetus's brain, central nervous system, and physical organs.
FOETAL Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are permanent, lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions in children caused when pregnant mothers consume alcohol.
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This was the message brought to the community at Amanzimtoti Clinic during an awareness event on September 11. Different speakers spoke of the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant and how it causes lifelong developmental conditions in the affected child.
One of the speakers, Sonwabile Sithole from the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA), said that because alcohol easily crosses the placenta, it disrupts the development of the foetus’s brain, central nervous system, and physical organs. This results in irreversible physical, behavioural, and cognitive impairments, including distinctive facial features, growth delays, and learning disabilities.
“A pregnant person should never drink alcohol, no matter how small the amount or what type of alcohol it is, because it will affect the child,” said Sithole.
In a statement, the Amanzimtoti Community Police Forum (ACPF), which was part of the event, said it was a powerful reminder that every child deserves the best possible start in life.
“The ACPF, Spiritual Crime Network, together with the SAPS Amanzimtoti GBV Desk, were honoured to participate in the programme. We were privileged to stand alongside SANCA, Amanzimtoti Trauma Unit, Under the Juniper Tree, Khuluma, and Usizo Lomndeni. Our message was clear: FASD is preventable, but prevention starts with awareness, education, support and responsible choices during pregnancy,” read the statement.
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