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.

​FASDs are 100% 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:

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: FAQs of Parents and Families
  

• Alcohol & Breast Milk
  

• Alcohol Use in Pregnancy (CDC.gov)​

• The Basics of FASDs: Information for Families (PDF)

• Circle of Hope (Birth Mother's Network) (National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [NOFAS])