It’s January, also known as National Birth Defects Prevention Month. Modern medical technology has allowed us to determine that genetic and environmental factors, or a combination of both, are responsible for most birth defects. But we still don’t know the exact cause of about 70 percent of them.

Since there are so many unknowns, we’d like to focus our educational efforts and attention on what we do know about preventing birth defects. Currently, we are certain that one birth defect, known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, is 100 percent preventable. In other words, it is impossible for a baby to be born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome if the mother does not drink alcohol (any quantity, any kind) at any time during her pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, also known as FAS, is the leading cause of mental retardation. There is no known cure and babies will not “grow out of it.” It falls under the “umbrella” of FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), which is a broad term that includes an FAS diagnosis, as well as Fetal Alcohol Effects, and other alcohol-related birth defects, including neurodevelopment disorders.

To help understand the magnitude of this problem, we first must know that every day in our country, 10,657 babies are born. Out of all those babies, one will be born HIV positive; four will be born with spina bifida; and 10 with Down syndrome. However, 120 of them will be born with FASD.

Four criteria are used to diagnose Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. These are:

1. Distinctive facial features – these include a sunken or flat nasal bridge, wide set eyes, an exceptionally thin upper lip, a flat forehead, low set ears and a smooth skin surface between the nose and upper lip.

2. Growth delay in either height or weight.

3. Central nervous system dysfunction.

4. Confirmed exposure to alcohol during pregnancy.

We are fortunate to live in a state that is actively working to prevent alcohol-related birth defects. As part of its KIDS NOW Early Childhood Development Initiative, the Kentucky Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse has implemented a statewide effort, known as KIDS NOW Plus, which is aimed at improving the health of all Kentucky babies.

Robyn Jones, prevention specialist for LifeSkills KIDS NOW Plus program, spends her time working to help moms in our region give birth to healthy babies.

“Through this program, I am able to offer any group, in any of our counties, free of charge training on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome,” Jones said. “I can design a training that will last anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours and fit it into any time slot requested.”

Women sometimes ask Jones what they can do if they drank alcohol before knowing they were pregnant. “It is impossible to determine whether or not the baby has been affected,” Jones said. “It is best to not worry or stress out over it, take daily vitamins, eat nutritional foods, exercise regularly, get plenty of rest; and not drink any more alcohol for the duration of the pregnancy.”

Monthly healthy baby workshops are also offered through KIDS Now Plus. “Pregnant women can come – without being judged or labeled – and learn valuable information, socialize with other pregnant women, have some snacks and participate in drawings for door prizes,” Jones said.

If you are interested in scheduling a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome training session; or if you (or someone you love) would like to attend a healthy baby workshop, call Robyn Jones at 901-5000, Ext. 1114.

— Maureen Mahaney coordinates public information for LifeSkills Inc., a nonprofit, behavioral health care corporation that plans for and serves the people of southcentral Kentucky in three main areas: mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. Her column appears monthly.