Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can result in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) by interfering with development of the baby’s brain and other critical organs and physiological functions. This can lead to deficits after birth and beyond. Alcohol can disrupt development at any stage, even before a woman knows that she is pregnant, specialists of the National Public Health Agency warn on the occasion of International FASD Awareness Day, IPN reports.

Every year on September 9th, International FASD Awareness Day is observed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families who struggle with FASD. The first FASDay was celebrated on 9/9/99. This day was chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol.

“The Republic of Moldova is among the countries with the highest alcohol consumption per capita. Despite a decrease from 19.4 liters of alcohol per capita in 2016 to 12.9 liter in 2019 (WHO’s Global Health Observatory), the level of consumption is yet rather high,” said the National Public Health Agency.

Specialists warn that FASD are 100% preventable if a developing fetus is not exposed to alcohol. It is recommended that women who are pregnant, might be pregnant, or consider becoming pregnant should abstain from alcohol.