GetRealDrinking alcohol while pregnant can result in FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
4% of babies in Alberta are born with FASD
Canada FASD Research Network, (2017)
What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol.
FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential. Sourced from Canada FASD Research Network, (2017)
But this can’t happen to me, right?
You may be pregnant and not even know it. 61% of Canadian pregnancies are unplanned, that is over half. The first three months is a time where pregnancy may go unnoticed. In this time, a pregnant person may still be drinking alcohol. The effects of alcohol on your baby can happen at any time during the pregnancy.
What should I do?
Remember that there is no safe time, no safe amount, and no safe kind of alcohol to drink when you are pregnant. If you drink alcohol and are sexually active, make sure you use effective birth control.