F.A.S.D — Frequently Asked Questions

Questions & Answers

Everything you need to know about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders — prevention, harm, and what to do next.

Understanding FASD

What is FASD?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a group of conditions that occur when an unborn baby is exposed to any amount of alcohol before birth.

How is FASD prevented?

  • FASD is prevented if the mother does not drink any alcohol during pregnancy.
  • FASD is 100% preventable. No alcohol for mom during pregnancy equals no FASD for baby.
  • FASD is 100% permanent. The damage done by alcohol cannot be undone.

How does alcohol harm the unborn baby?

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it goes into her bloodstream. The blood takes the alcohol to the unborn baby. Alcohol damages the unborn baby's growing body and brain, resulting in many types of birth defects.

Alcohol harms an unborn baby in different ways at different times during the pregnancy.

During Pregnancy

Will it make a difference if a pregnant woman stops drinking at any point during pregnancy?

  • It is best to stop drinking alcohol when you are planning to have a baby.
  • Alcohol harms an unborn baby in different ways, at different times during the pregnancy.
  • If you stop drinking alcohol at any stage, it will stop further damage to the unborn baby.

Will the baby get FASD if the mother does not drink alcohol?

The baby will not get FASD if the mother does not drink alcohol.

Will alcohol harm the baby?

  • No amount of alcohol is safe for the unborn baby.
  • Alcohol can cause damage to the unborn baby even before a woman knows she is pregnant.
  • Alcohol can continue harming the baby until the baby is born.
  • It is never too late to stop drinking during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding & Alcohol Types

Will the baby be affected if the mother drinks alcohol while breastfeeding?

  • Alcohol the mother drinks is carried through the breast milk to the baby. Breast milk can smell and taste of alcohol — babies may stop breastfeeding because they dislike the taste, meaning the baby may not grow as it should.
  • Do not drink alcohol if you are breastfeeding your baby or feeding your baby breast milk.
  • Drinking alcohol when breastfeeding can harm the baby's brain, sleep, learning, development and growth.

Can all types of alcohol harm the baby?

Yes — any and all types of alcohol can cause birth defects.

Beer, wine, ciders, spirits, alcoholic spirit coolers, shandy, milk stout, vodka, gin, brandy, whisky, sherry — all types of alcohol can do harm.

Diagnosis & Support

Where do you go if you are worried your baby or child has FASD?

Go to your nearest clinic and ask that your child be tested.

Who can say if a child has FASD?

Only a specially trained doctor, using sophisticated tests, can determine if a child has FASD.

What is the role of the man when his partner is pregnant?

  • Encourage her not to drink alcohol.
  • Encourage her to go for help if she cannot stop drinking.
  • Respect her wish when she decides not to drink.
  • Help the pregnant woman enjoy alcohol-free activities.

Still have questions?

Reach out to our team or find your nearest Matrix® clinic for in-person support and guidance.

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