Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, every year in Italy, 25,000 babies are born with alcohol damage

Every year, in Italy, 25,000 children are born with a fetal-alcoholic syndrome called fetal alcohol syndrome: it is the most serious of the fetal diseases induced by the consumption of alcohol during the pregnancy . According to the Italian Confederation of Lazio in the world, it is estimated that 70 million people suffer the consequences of exposure to alcohol while they were in the uterus. According to The Lancet Global Healt 2017, there are 119,000 new cases worldwide each year, with the highest concentration in Europe and South Africa. In Italy, 1 in 67 mothers who consume alcohol during pregnancy give birth to a child with ASF. On average, 10% of pregnant women take alcohol, in our country (where you start drinking at age 11), you reach the threshold of 50%.

The results

The fetus does not metabolize alcohol. Therefore, prenatal exposure to this substance can cause serious conbad disorders, but also malfunctions that can occur throughout life. The alarming epidemiological data at our disposal require us to provide family information quickly and widely and to train all physicians (pediatricians, gynecologists, general practitioners and neuropsychiatrists) who play a fundamental role in prevention and prevention. Early diagnosis as well as treatment, says Dr. Maria Pia Graziani, free pediatrician and chair of the scientific committee of Cipe (Italian Confederation of Pediatricians) of Lazio. Fas – he adds – can be manifested by morphological dysfunctions, for example on the face, in more or less obvious forms, but also by a deficit of attention and learning, Behavioral problems of hyperactivity up to mental illness with serious consequences in the long run.

What is SAF?

The consumption of alcohol by the mother can cause serious damage to the baby. In fact, fero can not get rid of alcohol that, once drunk, crosses the placenta. The body of an unborn child is unable to metabolize these substances and suffers the detrimental effects of prolonged exposure resulting in cognitive and psychosocial deficits. It is not always the child who presents the syndrome at birth and this problem, according to scientists, related to certain factors, such as the sensitivity of the fetus and the future mother. This means that not always if a woman takes alcohol during her pregnancy, the child will be affected by FAS. Most often, the disease presents itself clearly and unequivocally around the age of 5 years.