Drinking during pregnancy can cause a number of birth defects including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol effects (FAE). These alcohol-related disabilities are not only a major drain on our nation's fiscal and health care resources, they are responsible for immeasurable suffering, family disintegration, and wasted human potential.
Dr. Blume's work details:
-The devastating effects of how FAS:
Retards an infant's growth before and after birth
Damages an infant's central nervous system
Causes facial abnormalities
Can cause other birth defects
Can send a newborn infant into withdrawal-The risk of FAS/FAE in women who drink during pregnancy
-Ways to prevent FAS/FAE in women:
Educational approaches
Screening the obstetric patient
Treatment referrals
Treatment needs of pregnant alcoholics-Prevention and public policy
This concise guide is designed to help professionals motivate clients to seek out early and adequate prenatal care, avoid all use of alcohol during pregnancy, explore ways to get help for alcohol and alcohol-related problems, and make the birth of their babies a happy event.
About the Author
Consultant on addiction/compulsive gamblingClinical professor of psychiatry, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 1984 to presentHarvard Medical School, M.D. (cum laude)New York School of Psychiatry graduateMedical Director, Alcoholism, Chemical Dependency and Compulsive Gambling Programs at South Oaks Hospital, 1984-1998Director, South Oaks Institute of Alcoholism and Addictive Behavior Studies, 1984-1998Medical director, National Council on Alcoholism, January-June, 1983Director, New York State Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, 1979-1983Certifications:American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (Psychiatry)Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (retired in good standing, 1998)
