2023-09-10 18:40:34
In the midst of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness month, a specialist points out that consuming alcohol during pregnancy can have unfortunate consequences on a baby’s development.
Founder and director of the New Brunswick Center of Excellence for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Dr. Nicole LeBlanc warns that FASD is still wreaking havoc in Canada.
Studies conducted in Canada, the United States and Europe estimate that up to 5% of the population suffers from FASD.
It’s still more common than if we put autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome combined, says Dr. Nicole LeBlanc.
These figures remain conservative, she adds, since in certain populations, we even have incidences of up to 10%.
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Dr. Nicole LeBlanc, September 9, 2023, in interview on the occasion of the 24th International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Prevention Day.
Photo : Radio-Canada
Dr. LeBlanc regularly sees the consequences that alcohol can have during pregnancy.
Moreover, she indicates that requests to the New Brunswick Center of Excellence for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder have exploded in recent years, whether for prevention, diagnosis, intervention and support. .
Never safe during pregnancy
Dr. Nicole LeBlanc says alcohol can be toxic to fetal cells as early as the 17th day after conception.
And it is not only in the third week that alcohol is a threat to the health of the unborn child, but throughout the pregnancy.
There is no amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy.
About 60% of pregnancies are unplanned each year in Canada, she adds.
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Offering mocktails (non-alcoholic drinks) at a social event can be a good way to support people who may be planning pregnancies, according to Dr. Nicole LeBlanc.
Photo: iStock / GANNAMARTYSHEVA
A service in the Atlantic
In 2012, Dr. Nicole LeBlanc founded the New Brunswick Center of Excellence in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
This center, which organizes 24 diagnostic clinics per year, also provides a support and intervention service to adults who have already received a diagnosis of FASD and to families. It is the only one of its kind in the Atlantic.
Signs and symptoms of FASD
A person with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder may:
Acting impulsively; Having difficulty managing money, learning to tell the time, keeping up with the pace of learning in class; Not measuring the consequences of one’s actions; Lacking concentration and being easily distracted; Forgetting how to do something you’ve already done before.
Government of Canada
The assessment to arrive at a diagnosis of FASD requires special attention, indicates Dr. Nicole LeBlanc. When people come to one of the Center’s clinics for a diagnosis, ten areas of their brain are examined.
Not every individual is affected in the same way. In more severe cases, people with FASD may have great difficulty functioning in society and will need support throughout their lives.
There’s no miracle pill for this, says Dr. Nicole LeBlanc. We have a lot of hope. Studies have shown that with the appropriate support, we are able to help individuals maximize their full potential.
With information from Janic Godin
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