Alcohol & Pregnancy: Risks and Effects on Fetal Development

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can have serious, lifelong effects on the fetus. Alcohol passes easily from mother's bloodstream to the fetus, damaging the developing brain and other organs.

Potential Risks

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

FAS is a group of birth defects from prenatal alcohol exposure, causing:

• Growth retardation
• Intellectual disability
• Behavioral problems
• Learning disabilities
• Vision and hearing problems
• Heart defects
• Kidney problems

Prevention

FAS is 100% preventable by avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. If pregnant or planning pregnancy:

• Stop drinking immediately.
• Tell your doctor about alcohol use.
• Get support from family/friends.

Resources for Help

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• Your doctor, local health department

Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

If struggling with addiction, many programs help achieve sobriety during pregnancy:

• Inpatient/outpatient treatment
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Behavioral therapy, counseling, support groups

There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Avoid it entirely.