Here’s to an Alcohol-Free Pregnancy!

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is one of the top preventable causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities, known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). (Information on FASDs is also available in Spanish.)

• The good news is that FASDs are 100% preventable—if a woman does not drink alcohol while she is pregnant.

• There is no known amount of alcohol that is safe to drink while pregnant.

• There is no safe time to drink during pregnancy—alcohol can harm a baby at any time during pregnancy.

• All drinks with alcohol can hurt an unborn baby. A 12-ounce can of beer has as much alcohol as a 5-ounce glass of wine or a 1-ounce shot of liquor.

• FASDs can cause problems in how a person grows, learns, looks, and acts. FASDs can also cause birth defects of the heart, brain, and other major organs. These problems last a lifetime.

• About 1 in 12 pregnant women in the United States reports alcohol use.

In 2005, the US Surgeon General gave the following advice about alcohol use during pregnancy:

• A pregnant woman should not drink alcohol.

• A woman who is trying to get pregnant should not drink alcohol because she will not know she is pregnant for the first few weeks of the pregnancy.

• A pregnant woman who has already used alcohol during her pregnancy should stop right away

• Because nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor about how to prevent an alcohol-exposed pregnancy.

• Health professionals should ask women of childbearing age about their alcohol use, tell them about the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy, and advise them not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

International FASD Awareness Day

Every year, September 9th is recognized as International FASD Awareness Day. The 9th day of the 9th month of the year symbolizes the nine months of pregnancy that a woman should avoid alcohol. Spread the word about the importance of having a healthy, alcohol-free pregnancy with family and friends.

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her unborn baby. Remember, if a pregnant woman does not drink alcohol, she will prevent serious disabilities caused by alcohol in her unborn baby.

Additional Information

• Visit our Web site, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, to learn more about alcohol use and pregnancy.
• View or download FAS: Guidelines for Referral and Diagnosis.
• Got questions? Here are some answers.
• Order materials free of charge.

Partner Organizations

• National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome*
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, FASD Center for Excellence
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
• March of Dimes*