Alcohol and Pregnancy: It’s Just Not Worth the Risk
There's no guarantee that a baby will be born healthy or grow up healthy. However, there is an absolute guarantee that a child will not have a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) if a mother does not drink alcohol while pregnant.
No Alcohol during Pregnancy is the Safest Choice
In this video, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains why there is no type of alcohol and no amount of alcohol safe during pregnancy.
An estimated 40,000 babies are born each year with FASDs, which can result in birth defects, intellectual or learning disabilities, behavior problems and trouble learning life skills. These difficulties last a lifetime.
ASDs are completely preventable by abstaining from alcohol while pregnant (and while trying to conceive). Despite myths, there is no scientific evidence available that sets a “safe” amount of alcohol that will not affect the developing fetus.
Talk with Your Doctor
Women are encouraged to talk with their obstetricians, pediatricians and other health care providers so they can not only understand the risks, but also make the best choice for the health of their baby.
Additional Resources:
- Where We Stand: Alcohol During Pregnancy
- Reduce the Risk of Birth Defects
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: FAQs of Parents and Families
- Alcohol & Breast Milk
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Toolkit (AAP.org) - Developed for pediatric clinicians to raise awareness, promote surveillance and screening, and ensure that all affected children receive appropriate and timely interventions.
- Alcohol Use in Pregnancy (CDC.gov)
