Alcohol and pregnancy dont mix!

Fetal alcohol syndrome or prenatal exposure to alcohol is the leading cause of mental retardation according to a Florida resource guide. Over 50% of women of childbearing age drink. Another 20% continue drinking after they find out they are pregnant. This predisposes their unborn child to many physical,cognitive,behavioral, linguistic and social development problems. This can lead to a lifetime of care costing $1-3 million dollars. The four criteria found in prenatal alcohol exposure is facial abnormalities, growth retardation, and brain damage that results from intellectual difficulties and behavior problems. These children may also have heart, ear ,eye defects as well as speech,learning and attention disorders. These children can have learning and behavioral problems , impaired judgment, attention disorders, hyperactivity, facial abnormalities, cleft palate and a small jaw.
Many of these kids end up in jail, mental hospitals or treatment centers.
So Pregnant women, DON'T drink alcohol during your pregnancy.!!!!! Your drinking can have a lifelong effect on your unborn child's health.. For further information see March of Dimes , Florida Resource guide on Alcohol and Pregnancy or read up on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.