10 Facts about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder(s) (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual who was exposed to alcohol before birth. Learn more about PAE here.
In recognition of FASD Awareness Month we have put together a few facts about alcohol, pregnancy and FASD.
- FASDs are preventable if a developing baby is not exposed to alcohol before birth. Make a plan for a healthy baby – don’t drink any alcohol if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.
- FASD is not rare. An estimated 40,000 infants each year are affected by it, and as many as 1 in 20 children has an FASD.
- No amount of alcohol use is known to be safe for a developing baby before birth.
- Exposure to alcohol from all types of beverages, including beer and wine, is unsafe for developing babies at every stage of pregnancy.
- A developing baby is exposed to the same concentration of alcohol as the mother during pregnancy.
- According to the CDC, as many as 49 percent of all pregnancies are unplanned. Alcohol can harm the fetus at any time, even before a woman knows she is pregnant.
- Alcohol exposure is unsafe for developing babies at every stage of pregnancy.
- It’s never too late to stop drinking. If you become pregnant, stop drinking alcohol. Every day matters. The sooner you stop drinking, the better for your baby. If you need help stopping, talk to your doctor, contact an addiction specialist or contact Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Help is available. Visit our FASD Awareness webpage for more information and links to local and national resources.
- You can still celebrate. Watch the video below to learn how to enjoy an alcohol-free celebration!
