“Women are being urged to curb their drinking over fears it could lead to a spike in alcohol harm in babies conceived during the coronavirus pandemic. A survey recently found Australians were drinking 70 per cent more during isolation. Professor Elizabeth Elliott said this, coupled with the increased time partners were spending together, meant there was an increased risk of pregnancy and alcohol harm. Prof Elliott said it was a myth that only high rates of drinking could cause FASD.”
– 7 News Australia
RELATED STORY: Pandemic Magnifies Risks of Maternal Substance Abuse
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“Being holed up at home with kids, partner, or other family members can be tough. But some people now have the added challenge of staying home with children who have intense developmental disabilities — children who are normally in day programs or live in group homes.”
– WBUR News
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“As the coronavirus pandemic leaves millions stuck at home, alcohol sales have risen drastically nationwide, with spirits and premixed cocktails in high demand. The World Health Organization, however, says alcohol may put people at increased risk for the coronavirus, weakening the body’s immune system and leaving drinkers at risk for other risky behaviors that could increase the likelihood of contracting coronavirus.”
– Panama City News Herald
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FASDinNC is fortunate to be part of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS). The beauty of this affiliation is that it allows us to gain insight from the amazing families and leaders navigating FASD. Please take a few minutes to listen to this interview with Susan Elsworth, Executive Director of INOFAS, as she shares a mom’s perspective with Jeff Noble on the FASD Success Show. INOFAS is a subsidiary of Mental Health America of Indiana and affiliate of NOFAS.
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The World Health Organization says, “At times of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol consumption can exacerbate health vulnerability, risk-taking behaviors, mental health issues and violence. WHO/Europe reminds people that drinking alcohol does not protect them from COVID-19, and encourages governments to enforce measures which limit alcohol consumption.”
Learn more HERE!
During this time of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, people have questions about whether or not they should get pregnant. Presently, there’s limited evidence available regarding mother-to- fetus transmission, transmission during delivery, and transmission during breastfeeding. We are learning more daily about if and how mothers with COVID-19 pass the virus to their children in the womb and/ or through breastmilk. It is currently thought that it is very unlikely that COVID-19 causes birth defects. There is some evidence that pregnant women are more likely to get the coronavirus. Visit showyourlovetoday.com to learn more and to know what questions you can ask your healthcare provider as it relates to planning your pregnancy.
Click HERE to learn more!