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Show Pregnant vomen should never drink alcohol problems characterize both FAS and FAE. Experts estimate that between 20 and 35 percent of pregnant mothers drink regularly. The March of Dimes believes that as few as two drinks a day can cause risk to the fetus. They also believe that alcohol-related birth defects are entirely en-tirely preventable-if the expectant mother abstains from alcoholic beverages. When the mother drinks, the alcohol level in the fetal blood reaches the level of hers, having a much greater impact because of the immaturity of the fetus's organs. The March of Dimes urges women planning pregnancies to stop drinking before they become pregnant. "Our hope is to increase the number of babies born healthy. " fa By SARAH HANSEN "The only safe drink for expectant expec-tant mothers is a non-alcoholic drink," is the message the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation is delivering. "The use of alcohol by pregnant women is one of the leading causes of mental retardation in this country coun-try said Dr. Reed V. Tuckson, March of Dimes senior vice president. presi-dent. "The babies of women who drink can also be born with a variety varie-ty of physical and mental birth defects. In fact, more than 50,000 babies are born each year with some kind of alcohol-related damage. Women need only to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy." Alcohol consumption during pregnancy also increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and in .at death. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) affects 30 to 40 percent of children whose mothers drink the equivalent of six ounces of 100 proof alcohol daily (six average drinks, six cans of beer, or six glasses of wine). Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) can affect babies whose mothers are moderate drinkers (two to five drinks per day). Mental retardation and various physical and behav.'- Tal |