Are you trying to conceive or pregnant? Then you should know -drinking alcohol during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus at any stage, even before a woman knows she is pregnant. Alcohol passes through the placenta and can interfere with normal development, especially of the brain and central nervous system. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can result in FASD -Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

How does drinking alcohol impact fetus?

1. Brain development: Alcohol is a teratogen, meaning it can cause birth defects. It disrupts the development of neurons and the structure of the brain. This can result in lifelong cognitive and behavioral issues, including:

• Poor memory
• Learning disabilities
• ADHD
• Emotional and social problems

2. Physical growth: Babies exposed to alcohol in the womb may be-

• Born smaller than average.
• Experience slow growth after birth.
• Have facial abnormalities (in cases of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)

3. Organ development: Can affect the heart, kidneys, bones, and hearing. It also increases risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.

4. Long term effects: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs): A range of lifelong disabilities including:

• Intellectual disability
• Behavioral issues
• Difficulty with daily functioning

Is any amount of alcohol safe? NO! There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Even small amounts may pose a risk. The safest choice is no alcohol at all while trying to conceive and, during pregnancy. FAS is 100% preventable—the only sure way to avoid it is to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy. No amount of alcohol is considered safe at any stage of pregnancy.