Staff Writer 
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) wishes to encourage women to abstain from drinking alcohol during pregnancy as it puts their unborn babies at the risk of having Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
FAS is a condition that develops in a foetus when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy and is associated developmental disabilities and birth defects such as abnormal facial features, low body weight and vision or hearing problems in infants, and delayed speech, difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, learning disabilities in early childhood and beyond. 
World FAS Day is observed annually on 9 September to raise awareness on the impact of alcohol consumption on babies during pregnancy. The GDoH joins the global community in raising awareness about this condition which is permanent and irreversible. 
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has called on women to avoid alcohol during pregnancy to protect their children against foetal alcohol syndrome.
"We wish to encourage pregnant women and their partners to support each other in protecting their unborn babies. There is no cure for FAS, the only way it can be prevented is by abstaining from alcohol consumption during pregnancy," said the MEC. 
In addition, those who continue alcohol consumption during pregnancy also have an increased risk of pre-term birth complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery. 
Moreover, it is never too late to stop drinking for those who are pregnant and have been consuming alcohol to protect their unborn baby. The growth of a foetus' brain takes place throughout pregnancy, so stopping alcohol consumption immediately is always best to prevent FAS and other complications.