Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: What Every Parent Should Know

Every parent wants the best possible start in life for their child. One of the most important steps you can take during pregnancy—or when planning to become pregnant—is to avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol at any stage of pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), which can lead to lifelong health, learning, and behavioral challenges.

What Are FASDs?

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are conditions that can develop when a baby is exposed to alcohol before birth. Alcohol in the mother’s blood passes through the umbilical cord and directly into the baby’s bloodstream.

Children with FASDs may face challenges such as:

  • Abnormal facial features

  • Small head size

  • Poor coordination

  • Intellectual disabilities or low IQ

  • Difficulty with memory, learning, and attention

  • Hyperactivity

  • Problems with speech, vision, or hearing

These effects can last a lifetime.

Is Any Alcohol Safe During Pregnancy?

No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. All types of alcohol—beer, wine, hard cider, and liquor—can be harmful. Because alcohol can affect a developing baby at any stage of pregnancy, it’s best to avoid alcohol entirely when pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

Where to Find Help

Everyone wants the best for their baby. If you are struggling with alcohol use, you are not alone. Help and resources are available:

  • Downeast Resource Guide – Healthy Acadia’s directory of local recovery resources in Hancock and Washington counties. Our Downeast Resource Guide includes resources to support all aspects of recovery from any substance use, including alcohol. Download a PDF copy here, stop by one of our locations to pick up a print version, or call 207-667-7171 or 207-412-2288 (Ellsworth) or 207-255-3741 (Machias) to request that a copy be mailed to you.

  • American Academy of Pediatrics – for guidance on alcohol and pregnancy, child development, and family health, visit the AAP resources on FASDs: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders/

  • US CDC – learn more about prevention efforts and supports for families at the CDC FASD page: https://www.cdc.gov/fasd/resources/index.html

POSTTracey CarlsonSPR, SB, FASD, alcohol use and pregnancy, alcohol risks to baby, alcohol use prevention, expectant parents