Iss: one glass can trigger foetal alcohol syndrome, here's why not to drink during pregnancy

The ninth day of the ninth month of the year, 9 September, was chosen to celebrate International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Day. Because pregnancy lasts the famous 'nine months' and a single glass of alcohol during this period could change a whole life. 'If you're expecting a baby, don't risk it' is the message launched by the Higher Institute of Health inviting boys and girls, with information material, to choose the only really safe option: zero alcohol during pregnancy and when planning to have a baby.

Fasd (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) is a cluster of conditions caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. It can include a range of physical, behavioural and cognitive problems of varying severity. People with Fasd may have learning difficulties, attention problems and distinctive physical features, especially in the full form of these disorders called Fas (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). Short stature, microcephaly and mental retardation are associated with other distinctive facial features, such as a short, enlarged nasal septum and nostrils that tend to be prominent, eyes that appear small and distant, and ears that are low and turned towards the back of the head. The prolabium (or filter), i.e. the groove between the nose and the upper lip, extended and flattened and the upper lip thin.

It is estimated that about 10% of women consume alcohol during pregnancy and that 1 in 67 women give birth to a baby with foetal alcohol syndrome. This corresponds, on average, to about 15 out of every 10,000 babies born worldwide. In some European regions, a quarter of women drink alcohol during pregnancy, resulting in a higher prevalence of foetal alcohol syndrome, which is 2 to 6 times higher than the world average. There are, however, no specific data on the incidence of Fas and Fasd in Italy.

Damage to the foetus occurs because the body is unable to metabolise the alcohol transmitted through the umbilical cord, which, as it accumulates, causes damage to the nervous system and other organs. It is important that children with Fas and Fasd, the Iss emphasises, are diagnosed as early as possible so that they can receive the necessary help in good time and so that families can learn about the cognitive, emotional and social difficulties they face. Comprehensive information about Fas and Fasd is the only way to minimise the effects of disabilities that may occur.

With this in mind, the Italian Institute of Health with the National Centre for Addiction and Doping, as part of the project 'Maternal and child health: training of social and health workers and empowerment of young women (18-24 years old) on the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy' implemented with the financial support of the Ministry of Health, contributed to raising awareness and informing health workers on the serious damage to the foetus caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The programme ended on 3 September with a significant number of registrations. A total of four training courses were held, with a total of more than 23,600 registrations and 15,590 completions (about 66% of those registered). The course that received the most attention was the one dedicated to the basic elements of diagnosis, in which almost 10,000 professionals enrolled.