Pregnancy and Alcohol Don't Mix
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause permanent birth defects and brain damage to a developing baby.
The safest choice is no alcohol during pregnancy, when planning a pregnancy, or if there is chance of pregnancy.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term that describes the harm caused by alcohol use during pregnancy.
What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?
- FASD is a term that describes the harm caused by alcohol use during pregnancy.
- FASD is an invisible, brain disorder that occurs in all cultures and levels of society.
- About 4 in every 100 children have FASD in Canada. This may be higher in some communities.
- FASD is permanent and the effects last forever.
Pregnancy and Alcohol Don’t Mix:
- There is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy
- There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy
- There is no safe kind of alcohol during pregnancy (wine, beer, coolers, spirits and other alcoholic beverages are all harmful during pregnancy)
As long as alcohol is consumed, use effective and accessible contraception that is appropriate for both partners.
It is safest not to drink alcohol before a pregnancy.
If a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the baby may have:
- Brain damage
- Vision and hearing difficulties
- Heart, kidneys or bones that are not properly formed
A child with FASD may have mild or serious problems with:
- Learning
- Remembering
- Thinking things through
- Understanding consequences
- Getting along with others
- Life skills
- Regulating their emotions
Do children with FASD grow out of their problems?
- The effects of FASD last forever
- Lifelong guidance and supports may be needed
- Individuals may share common features, but everyone is unique with their own strengths and challenges
What can I do to have a healthy baby?
There are many things men and women can do before and during pregnancy to a have a healthy baby. These include not drinking alcohol, avoiding second-hand smoke, eating healthy foods, and going to prenatal appointments.
For more information:
- Access to Addiction, Mental Health, and Problem Gambling Services,
1-866-531-2600 - Alcohol and pregnancy: The Sensible Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- It’s a plan – Helping you make decisions about contraception
- Sex and U – contraception
- Your nearest Public Health Unit
- Rethink your Drinking
Sandy’s Law Legislation
Click image to enlarge
Sandy’s Law is an amendment to the Liquor Licence Act. It is a private member’s bill that was introduced by MPP Ernie Parsons of Prince Edward (Ont.), and was inspired by his late son, Sandy, who had Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Under Sandy’s Law, everywhere alcohol is sold or where customers brew their own wine or beer must post signage warning about the dangers of consuming alcohol while pregnant.
Alcohol Can Harm a Developing Baby
- No safe time to drink alcohol
- No safe kind of alcohol
- No safe amount of alcohol
It is safest not to drink alcohol before a pregnancy.
As long as alcohol is consumed, use effective and accessible contraception that is appropriate for both partners.
Choose to have non-alcoholic drinks
See Recipe Cards for delicious non-alcoholic drinks, also called Mocktails. Try some out. If you don’t have some of the ingredients on hand, make up your own recipes. Share your favourites with family and friends.
The Risks of Using Other Substances
Smoking
It is best for both parents not to smoke, during the pregnancy and after the baby is born. In fact, it is best to quit prior to conception.
It can be difficult for some people to quit smoking since nicotine is highly addictive. If a person is not ready to quit, consider the options to:
- Reduce the number of cigarettes smoked
- Quitting for periods of time during the pregnancy
- Smoke outdoors and wash your hands after smoking
Ask for help from partner, family, friends and community programs:
- Accept support when trying to quit or cut back on smoking
- Discuss with friends and family your right to have a smoke-free home
- Talk to a health care professional
For more information:
Cannabis
The safest option is not to use cannabis during pregnancy.
- Although cannabis is natural, it doesn’t make it safe during pregnancy.
- Cannabis is not recommended to treat morning sickness or for medical purposes during pregnancy. Ask a health care professional about safer options to feel better.
- Using cannabis during pregnancy can affect a child’s brain development, behaviour and mental health into adolescence and early adulthood. The effects may be permanent.
- If you are unable to stop using cannabis completely, try using less and less often.
For more information:
Medication and drugs during pregnancy
Medications can be safe to take when pregnant, but always check with your health care professional, your pharmacist or Motherisk. Motherisk can answer questions about the safety of prescribed medications, over the counter products, and herbal remedies.
It is never too late to quit any substance use habits. If unable to stop completely, try using less and less often. There are resources in the community to help you.
For more information:
