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Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a set of physical and mental birth defects that results when a mother drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. When a pregnant woman drinks any alcohol, such as beer, wine, or mixed drinks, so does her baby. Alcohol passes through the placenta right into the developing baby. The baby may suffer lifelong damage as a result.
FAS is characterized by brain damage, facial deformities, and growth deficits. Heart, liver, and kidney defects are also common, as are vision and hearing problems. Individuals with FAS have difficulties with learning, attention, memory, and problem solving.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. The term FASD is not intended for use as a clinical diagnosis.
FAQs
Can I drink alcohol when I am pregnant?
No. Do not drink alcohol when you are pregnant. When you drink alcohol, such as beer, wine, or mixed drinks, so does your baby. Alcohol is a substance known to be harmful to human development. When it reaches the blood supply of the baby, it can cause permanent defects to the major organs and central nervous system.
Is there any kind of alcohol I can drink during pregnancy?
No. Drinking any kind of alcohol can hurt your baby. Alcoholic drinks can include beer, wine, liquor, wine coolers, or mixed drinks.
What if I am pregnant and have been drinking?
If you drank alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, stop drinking now. Anytime a pregnant woman stops drinking, she decreases the risk of harm to the baby. If you are trying to get pregnant, do not drink alcohol. You may not know you are pregnant right away.
What if I drank during my last pregnancy and my baby was fine?
Every pregnancy is different. Drinking alcohol may hurt one baby more than another. You could have one child who is born healthy, and another child who is born with problems.
What if a friend, partner, spouse, or family member is drinking while pregnant?
Many women are unaware of the consequences of drinking during pregnancy. Some women believe wine or beer is not alcohol. In many cases, she may be suffering from alcoholism. She may need to know what effects alcohol can have on the baby. She may also need help getting into treatment. In such cases, you should contact a treatment professional at a local addiction center for advice on how to help her.
Partners, Family, and Friends
Many women are unaware of the consequences of drinking during pregnancy. Some women believe wine or beer is not alcohol. In many cases, she may be suffering from alcoholism. She may need to know what effects alcohol can have on the baby. She may also need help getting into treatment. In such cases, you should contact a treatment professional at a local addiction center for advice on how to help her.
It's easier to change a habit with the help and support of a partner, friend, or family member. Behavior change is a difficult process, but it may be your support that makes a difference for success.
Here are other things you can do to help:
- Help plan strategies to make it easier to stop or cut back on drinking
- Talk on the telephone for support when needed
- Do fun things together that do not involve alcohol
- Be understanding and be a good listener
- Encourage the use of alternative, nonalcoholic beverages
- Be a cheerleader. Help her believe she can succeed
- Encourage her to follow up with her health care provider.
Suggestions of what NOT to do:
- Don't be judgmental or critical
- Don't expect instant success or perfect results
- Don't get discouraged
- Don't overextend yourself. Be honest about what you are able to do.
Your partner can do many things to help during the pregnancy. He can:
- Help minimize stress for you and your baby
- Be patient and supportive
- Promote good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle
- Make exercise a part of your lives
- Attend prenatal visits with you.
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