- The safest choice during pregnancy is no alcohol.
- There is no known safe level of alcohol that can be consumed without risk during pregnancy.
- Drinking even small amounts can affect the baby’s development, either killing cells or slowing their growth. A little drink for mom is a BIG drink for baby.
- Damage can be most severe in the brain which develops throughout pregnancy.
- The many problems caused by drinking alcohol during the pregnancy are known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
- If you are planning on having a baby it is best to stop drinking even before you get pregnant.
- There are no alcoholic beverages that are safer choices – a drink is a drink. If you drink regularly or “binge drink”, your baby will be at higher risk for problems.
- If you feel stopping will be difficult to do on your own, consult your health care provider or contact www.Motherisk.org .
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
- Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to FASD, causing birth defects and disabilities.
- Specific birth defects and the degree of disability
can depend on how much alcohol was drunk, how
often, and when during the pregnancy.
 Examples of the effects of FASD include:
- Learning disabilities – especially in math
- Hard time handling money or telling time
- Difficulty understanding the consequences of their actions
- Not learning from mistakes
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Kidney and other organ problems
- Face deformities
- Hard time remembering appointments
- Difficulty getting along with others properly
- Alcohol and drug problems
- There is no cure for FASD.
How to protect yourself and your baby
- FASD is 100% preventable.
- More than 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, and in the early stages, most women don’t know they are pregnant – if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, do not drink alcohol.
- If you have sex and are not using birth control, avoid drinking alcohol.
- If you are worried about your alcohol use, talk to your doctor, local Health Unit, midwife, or health care provider.
For more information:
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