Inuvik - This Sunday has been designated as the international day to educate and inform people about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Regional nutritionist and health worker Andrea Godfreyson is working with others in town to host an event for the community on Sunday.

Regional nutritionist Andrea Godfreyson stands in front of a display made by Community health representative Crystal Navratil (not pictured). The display is located in the liquor store and focuses on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and the way it affects babies. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Godfreyson said she wants to inform people about the disorder and what can be done to avoid the harmful effects of alcohol on a fetus.

"I want people to be aware of the effects that alcohol can have on mothers while they are pregnant," said Godfreyson.

She said that FASD can be traced back to the mother during the pregnancy.

"It is important for pregnant women to remember not to drink at all," said Godfreyson.

"Any amount of alcohol can affect the child."

It is also the duty of the father to give positive support to the mother during the pregnancy.

"It is the role of the man to support the mother during that time," she said.

"It helps to have both parents working for the safety of the baby."

Godfreyson said that the father should try to stay away from temptations that might cause a mother to drink while pregnant.

"If the father is always at bars or drinking, it could make it harder for the mother to stay away as well," she said.

Newborns with FASD can exhibit changes in physical features and behaviour.

"Not every baby with FASD will have physical characteristics," said Godfreyson.

"The child might have a short attention span, or have some difficulty learning."

Godfreyson says that FASD is preventable and can only be dealt with once people are informed about the disorder.

"This is 100 per cent avoidable," said Godfreyson.

"Not drinking during the pregnancy is the way to stop FASD."

Godfreyson said that the sooner the mother stops drinking, the better.

"If you are pregnant and drinking, the sooner you stop will lower the chances of the effects on the baby," said Godfreyson.

"No alcohol is safe during pregnancy what so ever."

Godfreyson said that FASD is the leading cause of birth defects. National FASD awareness day is being recognized in Inuvik with a community event.

"We will host a community walk to show support for those with FASD," she said.

The walk starts in Jim Koe Park at 1 p.m. and continues to Ingamo Hall, when the group will turn back to the park.

A free community barbecue will be held at the park after the walk.

"We will also have guest speakers who will talk about the disorder," said Godfreyson.