No amount of alcohol is considered safe for a developing fetus.
There is insufficient evidence to suggest a threshold of alcohol that is allowable during pregnancy, but even small amounts of alcohol have been shown to negatively affect the fetus. Therefore, in order to be completely sure that a child will not suffer from FAS, women must refrain from drinking alcohol completely during pregnancy. This can include, but is not limited to, beer, wine, and liquor.
Birth defects and mental retardation associated with FAS are completely and 100% avoidable.
Despite this, FAS is the number one cause of preventable malformations and impairments in the Western hemisphere. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the devastating effects that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can have. In many cases, FAS is the result of this unawareness.
Over 50% of all pregnancies are considered to be unplanned.
Drinking alcohol at any time during a pregnancy can be a contributing factor to FAS. If a woman of childbearing age is having unprotected sex, she should abstain from drinking alcohol. Due to unplanned circumstances, women can be unaware they are bearing a child until late in the pregnancy. As a result, they may unknowingly drink alcohol during this critical time of development.
If you are finding out about an unplanned pregnancy, during which alcohol consumption has occurred, what can you do? Do not continue to drink alcohol any longer throughout the pregnancy, and speak with your health care provider for further prenatal care.
To avoid this situation at all, make sure to properly use contraception when engaging in sexual behaviours to prevent unwanted pregnancy, especially when drinking alcohol. Birth control methods can include condoms, oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and many more. For more information on contraceptive options, and choosing the right contraception for you and your partner, consider speaking with your doctor.
In addition to women who are pregnant or can become pregnant, the people surrounding them should also have an active role in the prevention of FAS. Being aware of the consequences of drinking during pregnancy is an essential part of the prevention of FAS.
The Role of the Expectant Mother and Women Who May Become Pregnant:
All women of childbearing age should be aware of the impact of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Spreading awareness about FAS is the first step in ensuring that women have healthy prenatal habits, specifically avoiding alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Women should ask questions openly with their doctors, and their health care providers will be prepared to provide the information and resources that are necessary. Furthermore, if women are not planning to become pregnant and are actively drinking alcohol, they should be using contraception when engaging in sexual activity. FAS should be discussed more often, and women should not be afraid to ask questions. Talking about FAS is the only way to end the stigma surrounding it.
The Role of Partners, Family Members and Friends:
If you know of someone who is drinking while pregnant, make sure they are aware of the consequences of FAS, and encourage them not to drink during this time. If they find it hard to avoid alcohol and show signs of addiction, you can support them by not drinking while around them. Offer both your personal support, and additional resources that can help guide them through this time, as both the health of the mother and the baby is at stake. Some addiction and substance abuse resources can be found below, but for an extensive list please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help/get-help-problematic-substance-use.html#wb-auto-5. Additionally, you can suggest that they visit their doctor.
- Addiction Helpline 1-866-332-2322
- Addiction, Mental Health, and Problem Gambling Services 1-866-531-2600
- Mental Health Crisis Line 1-888-737-4668
- Alcohol and Drug Information Referral Service 1-800-663-1441
- Good2Talk (specifically for post-secondary students aged 17-25) 1-866-925-5454
The Role of Health Professionals:
For any person trying to conceive a child or who is already pregnant, they should be made aware of the specific risks of FAS. The assumption cannot be made that everybody knows the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as many people are unaware of the consequences. A safe and respectful environment should be provided for any woman to come forward about drinking during pregnancy, despite the stigma attached to it. It is important that patients know that they will receive the assistance they need, and not be reprimanded for asking for help. It is never too late to stop drinking, and this idea should be reinforced and encouraged to expectant mothers. Further resources should also be provided for the patient if needed, including addiction services.
The Four-Part Model of Prevention:
The Canadian government has made a publication available called “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention: Canadian Perspectives” and can be downloaded by clicking on Download above. This resource describes levels of prevention which should be achieved in promoting health of both mothers and their children, specifically surrounding the topic of FASD. Below are the main takeaways that should be considered in providing effective prevention for FASD.
- Raise public awareness regarding women’s health and pregnancy.
- Make resources available which provide a safe environment for open communication regarding alcohol and pregnancy.
- Provide services which are distinctively trained to support all women through addiction and alcohol issues.
- Support healthy postpartum decisions regarding alcohol, and screen for potential cases of FASD in children.
For more information and further resources, visit the Government of Canada webpage on FASD at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/childhood-adolescence/programs-initiatives/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd.html