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Is any amount of alcohol safe to drink?
Penny found 20 sources
with relevant information
3 peer-reviewed research articles
7 professionally-backed sources
2 articles from healthcare institutions
Overview
Current evidence and clinical guidelines state that there is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink at any point during pregnancy. Even small amounts of alcohol can cross the placenta and may affect fetal development, so the safest approach is to avoid alcohol entirely while pregnant.
Key Points
No Safe Amount Established
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There is no established safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. All major health organizations recommend complete abstinence to minimize any risk to the developing baby.
Drinking alcohol while pregnant - NHSIt's recommended that if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant you should not drink alcohol. This will keep any risk to your baby to a minimum. Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby, with the more you drink, the greater the risk.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukAbout Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCThere is no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for the baby throughout pregnancy, including before a woman knows she is pregnant. Alcohol use in the first 3 months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features.Alcohol and pregnancy | RCOGChildren with FAS usually have severe physical and mental disability. For more information, see the resources available from NOFAS (National Organisation for Foetal Alcohol Syndrome-UK) at: www.nofas-uk.org ... If you are planning a pregnancy, it is advisable not to drink alcohol during this time.Alcohol and pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaPregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcoholduringpregnancy.Read full articleSource: medlineplus.govAlcohol and pregnancy: is drinking up two units twice a week ‘safe’ or should pregnant women completely abstain? - ARC WestThe Department of Health released new guidelines on alcohol consumption during pregnancy in January 2016. They state that no level of alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy. This is based on the precautionary principle, which assumes potential harm to the foetus in the absence of high quality ...Read full articleSource: ARC WestAlcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins MedicineDrinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects in a fetus. Everything a mother drinks also goes to the fetus. Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the immature body of the fetus than in the body of an adult. This can cause the alcohol levels to remain high and stay in ...Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)Research shows that binge drinking and heavy drinking duringpregnancy put a developing baby at the greatest risk for severe problems.4 However, even lesser amounts can cause harm.5,6 In fact, there is no known safe amount of alcoholconsumptionduringpregnancy.Read full articleSource: niaaa.nih.govAlcohol and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!Information about alcoholandpregnancy. Includes how alcohol can affect babies, making it more likely they'll be born early or underweightRead full articleSource: NHS InformData and Statistics on Alcohol and Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCReview data on alcohol use and pregnancy along with descriptions of national data sources.
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Alcohol can affect fetal development at any stage of pregnancy, including before you may realize you are pregnant.
About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCThere is no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for the baby throughout pregnancy, including before a woman knows she is pregnant. Alcohol use in the first 3 months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features.Alcohol and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!Information about alcoholandpregnancy. Includes how alcohol can affect babies, making it more likely they'll be born early or underweightRead full articleSource: NHS InformAlcohol Alters Gene Function in the Differentiating Cells of the Embryo | University of HelsinkiThis research is part of a broader project investigating the mechanisms by which alcohol affects early development and later health. Prenatal alcohol exposure causes a range of developmental disorders collectively referred to as fetalalcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
Risks of Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy
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Alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of miscarriage, premature birth, low birthweight, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Drinking alcohol while pregnant - NHSIt's recommended that if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant you should not drink alcohol. This will keep any risk to your baby to a minimum. Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby, with the more you drink, the greater the risk.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukAbout Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCThere is no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for the baby throughout pregnancy, including before a woman knows she is pregnant. Alcohol use in the first 3 months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features.Alcohol and pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaPregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcoholduringpregnancy.Read full articleSource: medlineplus.govAlcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins MedicineDrinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects in a fetus. Everything a mother drinks also goes to the fetus. Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the immature body of the fetus than in the body of an adult. This can cause the alcohol levels to remain high and stay in ...Data and Statistics on Alcohol and Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCReview data on alcohol use and pregnancy along with descriptions of national data sources.
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Drinking alcohol can cause a range of lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), which include fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), the most severe form.
About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCThere is no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for the baby throughout pregnancy, including before a woman knows she is pregnant. Alcohol use in the first 3 months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features.Alcohol and pregnancy | RCOGChildren with FAS usually have severe physical and mental disability. For more information, see the resources available from NOFAS (National Organisation for Foetal Alcohol Syndrome-UK) at: www.nofas-uk.org ... If you are planning a pregnancy, it is advisable not to drink alcohol during this time.Alcohol and pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaPregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcoholduringpregnancy.Read full articleSource: medlineplus.govAlcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins MedicineDrinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects in a fetus. Everything a mother drinks also goes to the fetus. Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the immature body of the fetus than in the body of an adult. This can cause the alcohol levels to remain high and stay in ...Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)Research shows that binge drinking and heavy drinking duringpregnancy put a developing baby at the greatest risk for severe problems.4 However, even lesser amounts can cause harm.5,6 In fact, there is no known safe amount of alcoholconsumptionduringpregnancy.Read full articleSource: niaaa.nih.govAlcohol and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!Information about alcoholandpregnancy. Includes how alcohol can affect babies, making it more likely they'll be born early or underweightRead full articleSource: NHS Inform
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Even light or moderate drinking has been linked to a small increase in the risk of preterm delivery and babies being born small for their gestational age. One study found women who drank even small amounts were 8% more likely to deliver a small baby, with estimates ranging from 2% to 14%.
Alcohol and pregnancy: is drinking up two units twice a week ‘safe’ or should pregnant women completely abstain? - ARC WestThe Department of Health released new guidelines on alcohol consumption during pregnancy in January 2016. They state that no level of alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy. This is based on the precautionary principle, which assumes potential harm to the foetus in the absence of high quality ...Read full articleSource: ARC West
What If You Drank Before Knowing?
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Many people drink alcohol before realizing they are pregnant. The risk to the baby from small amounts of alcohol consumed before pregnancy recognition is likely to be low, but it is recommended to stop drinking as soon as pregnancy is known to minimize any risk going forward.
Drinking alcohol while pregnant - NHSIt's recommended that if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant you should not drink alcohol. This will keep any risk to your baby to a minimum. Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby, with the more you drink, the greater the risk.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukAbout Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCThere is no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for the baby throughout pregnancy, including before a woman knows she is pregnant. Alcohol use in the first 3 months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features.Alcohol and pregnancy | RCOGChildren with FAS usually have severe physical and mental disability. For more information, see the resources available from NOFAS (National Organisation for Foetal Alcohol Syndrome-UK) at: www.nofas-uk.org ... If you are planning a pregnancy, it is advisable not to drink alcohol during this time.Alcohol and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!Information about alcoholandpregnancy. Includes how alcohol can affect babies, making it more likely they'll be born early or underweightRead full articleSource: NHS Inform
Why Is There No "Safe" Amount?
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Research has not identified a threshold below which alcohol is guaranteed to be safe for the developing fetus. Because individual susceptibility varies and some effects may be subtle or delayed, guidelines err on the side of caution.
About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCThere is no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for the baby throughout pregnancy, including before a woman knows she is pregnant. Alcohol use in the first 3 months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features.Alcohol and pregnancy: is drinking up two units twice a week ‘safe’ or should pregnant women completely abstain? - ARC WestThe Department of Health released new guidelines on alcohol consumption during pregnancy in January 2016. They state that no level of alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy. This is based on the precautionary principle, which assumes potential harm to the foetus in the absence of high quality ...Read full articleSource: ARC WestAlcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins MedicineDrinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects in a fetus. Everything a mother drinks also goes to the fetus. Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the immature body of the fetus than in the body of an adult. This can cause the alcohol levels to remain high and stay in ...Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)Research shows that binge drinking and heavy drinking duringpregnancy put a developing baby at the greatest risk for severe problems.4 However, even lesser amounts can cause harm.5,6 In fact, there is no known safe amount of alcoholconsumptionduringpregnancy.Read full articleSource: niaaa.nih.govAlcohol and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!Information about alcoholandpregnancy. Includes how alcohol can affect babies, making it more likely they'll be born early or underweightRead full articleSource: NHS InformIs it all right for women to drink small amounts of alcohol in pregnancy? Yes - PMCSo, no evidence of harm from low levels of intake in pregnancy, but we can't completely exclude the possibility. But in a sense, all of this is of secondary importance. I'm not trying to argue that low levels of alcohol are definitely safe. What I am arguing is that we should respect the autonomy ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDrinking while pregnant: What we know and what we don’t | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical CenterThe research is conclusive: Binge drinking and heavy consumption of alcohol in pregnancy pose a definite risk to the developing fetus. The CDC defines binge drinking as four drinks or more in two hours for women (five drinks or more for men).
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Some studies have not found clear evidence of harm from very low levels of alcohol, but they cannot rule out the possibility of risk. Because of this uncertainty, abstaining is considered the safest option.
Alcohol and pregnancy: is drinking up two units twice a week ‘safe’ or should pregnant women completely abstain? - ARC WestThe Department of Health released new guidelines on alcohol consumption during pregnancy in January 2016. They state that no level of alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy. This is based on the precautionary principle, which assumes potential harm to the foetus in the absence of high quality ...Read full articleSource: ARC WestIs it all right for women to drink small amounts of alcohol in pregnancy? Yes - PMCSo, no evidence of harm from low levels of intake in pregnancy, but we can't completely exclude the possibility. But in a sense, all of this is of secondary importance. I'm not trying to argue that low levels of alcohol are definitely safe. What I am arguing is that we should respect the autonomy ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDrinking while pregnant: What we know and what we don’t | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical CenterThe research is conclusive: Binge drinking and heavy consumption of alcohol in pregnancy pose a definite risk to the developing fetus. The CDC defines binge drinking as four drinks or more in two hours for women (five drinks or more for men).
Types of Alcohol
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All types of alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, spirits) carry the same risks during pregnancy. There is no evidence that any type is safer than another.
About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCThere is no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for the baby throughout pregnancy, including before a woman knows she is pregnant. Alcohol use in the first 3 months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features.Alcohol and pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaPregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcoholduringpregnancy.Read full articleSource: medlineplus.govAlcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins MedicineDrinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects in a fetus. Everything a mother drinks also goes to the fetus. Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the immature body of the fetus than in the body of an adult. This can cause the alcohol levels to remain high and stay in ...
Summary
There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy, and the safest approach is to avoid alcohol entirely. Drinking alcohol at any stage of pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, birth complications, and lifelong developmental problems for the baby. If you drank alcohol before knowing you were pregnant, stopping as soon as you find out is recommended, and you can discuss any concerns with your OB/GYN or midwife, who can work with you based on your specific medical history.
Providing feedback helps us improve Penny's responses.
What made this response need improvement?
What are fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and how do they affect children?
Penny found 20 sources
with relevant information
5 peer-reviewed research articles
6 professionally-backed sources
3 articles from healthcare institutions
Overview
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a group of lifelong physical, behavioral, and cognitive conditions that can occur in children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. The effects can range from mild to severe and are highly variable from person to person.
What Are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders?
Definition and Types
- FASD is an umbrella term for a range of effects caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. It includes several specific diagnoses, such as:
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): The most severe form, involving growth problems, distinctive facial features, and central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities.
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Partial FAS, Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND), and Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE): These may involve some, but not all, of the features of FAS, and can include learning and behavioral problems without the physical features.
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)Mobile health apps and other ... for children with FASD · 1 May PA, Chambers CD, Kalberg WO, Zellner J, Feldman H, Buckley D, Kopald D, Hasken JM, Xu R, Honerkamp-Smith G, Taras H, Manning MA, Robinson LK, Adam MP, Abdul-Rahman O, Vaux K, Jewett T, Elliott AJ, Kable JA, Akshoomoff N, et al. Prevalence of fetalalcoholspectrumdisorders in 4 US ...Read full articleSource: niaaa.nih.govAbout Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDCFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS): FAS represents the most involved end of the FASD spectrum. People with FAS have central nervous system (CNS) problems, minor facial features, and growth problems. People with FAS can have problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, or hearing.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: MedlinePlusThat includes the earliest stages, before you even know you are pregnant. Drinking during pregnancy can cause a group of conditions called fetalalcoholspectrumdisorders (FASDs). Children who are born with FASD can have a mix of problems, such as medical, behavioral, educational, and social ...Read full articleSource: medlineplus.gov
Prevalence
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FASD is estimated to affect between 1% and 5% of first graders in the U.S., making it a leading cause of preventable birth defects and developmental disabilities.
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)Mobile health apps and other ... for children with FASD · 1 May PA, Chambers CD, Kalberg WO, Zellner J, Feldman H, Buckley D, Kopald D, Hasken JM, Xu R, Honerkamp-Smith G, Taras H, Manning MA, Robinson LK, Adam MP, Abdul-Rahman O, Vaux K, Jewett T, Elliott AJ, Kable JA, Akshoomoff N, et al. Prevalence of fetalalcoholspectrumdisorders in 4 US ...Read full articleSource: niaaa.nih.gov
How FASD Affects Children
Physical Effects
- Growth deficiencies: Children may be smaller than average in height and weight.
- Distinctive facial features: These can include a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip, thin upper lip, and small eye openings (mainly in FAS).
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Organ and structural abnormalities: Including heart, kidney, or bone problems.
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)Mobile health apps and other ... for children with FASD · 1 May PA, Chambers CD, Kalberg WO, Zellner J, Feldman H, Buckley D, Kopald D, Hasken JM, Xu R, Honerkamp-Smith G, Taras H, Manning MA, Robinson LK, Adam MP, Abdul-Rahman O, Vaux K, Jewett T, Elliott AJ, Kable JA, Akshoomoff N, et al. Prevalence of fetalalcoholspectrumdisorders in 4 US ...Read full articleSource: niaaa.nih.govAbout Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDCFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS): FAS represents the most involved end of the FASD spectrum. People with FAS have central nervous system (CNS) problems, minor facial features, and growth problems. People with FAS can have problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, or hearing.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: MedlinePlusThat includes the earliest stages, before you even know you are pregnant. Drinking during pregnancy can cause a group of conditions called fetalalcoholspectrumdisorders (FASDs). Children who are born with FASD can have a mix of problems, such as medical, behavioral, educational, and social ...Read full articleSource: medlineplus.govSupporting Success for Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)The life experiences of individuals with FASD vary greatly. ... Alcohol kills developing cells. When alcohol is consumed · during pregnancy, the brain is significantly compromised, smaller, and may have lesions and differences in structure. This damage results in the learning, developmental and · other neurobehavioral symptoms ...
Cognitive and Behavioral Effects
- Learning disabilities: Difficulties with memory, attention, and problem-solving.
- Executive function deficits: Trouble with planning, organizing, and self-regulation.
- Speech and language delays: Problems with understanding and using language.
- Intellectual disabilities: Lower IQ and challenges with academic achievement.
- Behavioral problems: Hyperactivity, poor impulse control, and difficulty with social interactions.
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Emotional and mental health issues: Increased risk for anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders.
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)Mobile health apps and other ... for children with FASD · 1 May PA, Chambers CD, Kalberg WO, Zellner J, Feldman H, Buckley D, Kopald D, Hasken JM, Xu R, Honerkamp-Smith G, Taras H, Manning MA, Robinson LK, Adam MP, Abdul-Rahman O, Vaux K, Jewett T, Elliott AJ, Kable JA, Akshoomoff N, et al. Prevalence of fetalalcoholspectrumdisorders in 4 US ...Read full articleSource: niaaa.nih.govAbout Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDCFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS): FAS represents the most involved end of the FASD spectrum. People with FAS have central nervous system (CNS) problems, minor facial features, and growth problems. People with FAS can have problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, or hearing.Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder - NHSFind out about fetalalcoholspectrumdisorder, which is a range of mental and physical problems that can affect a child if their mother drinks alcohol while pregnant.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukFASDs and Secondary Conditions | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDCChildren with FASDs are at higher risk for being suspended or expelled, or dropping out of school. Difficulty getting along with other children, poor relationships with teachers, and truancy are some of the reasons that lead to removal from the school setting.Effects of Developmental Timing on Cognitive and Behavioral Profiles in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Considerations for EducationLikewise, the domain of executive ... of the developmental stages is working memory. Finally, cognitive impairment in the executive functioning domains has a direct impact on the social and adaptive functioning of people with FASD. Keywords: childhood; adolescence; executive functions; behavioral problems; prenatal alcohol exposure; educational needs · FetalAlcohol Spectrum ...Read full articleSource: mdpi.comEffects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Child Development - PMCMaternal alcohol use during pregnancy ... exposed children, including hyperactivity and attention problems, learning and memory deficits, and problems with social and emotional development. The most serious consequence of maternal drinking during pregnancy is fetal alcohol syndrome ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralEvidence of detrimental effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on offspring birthweight and neurodevelopment from a systematic review of quasi-experimental studies | International Journal of Epidemiology | Oxford AcademicAbstractBackground. Systematic reviews of prenatalalcoholexposure effects generally only include conventional observational studies. However, estimates fRead full articleSource: Oxford AcademicThe Long-Term Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Offspring: Insights from the ALSPAC Cohort | Child Psychiatry & Human DevelopmentPrenatalalcoholexposure (PAE) is a significant public health concern, associated with adverse developmental outcomes throughout the lifespan. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a globally recognized longitudinal birth cohort, provides a robust dataset for examining ...Read full articleSource: SpringerLink
Social and Adaptive Challenges
- Difficulty with daily living skills: Such as bathing, dressing, and managing money.
- Trouble forming and maintaining relationships: Both with peers and adults.
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Increased risk for secondary conditions: Including school suspension, trouble with the law, substance use, and mental health issues in adolescence and adulthood.
FASDs and Secondary Conditions | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDCChildren with FASDs are at higher risk for being suspended or expelled, or dropping out of school. Difficulty getting along with other children, poor relationships with teachers, and truancy are some of the reasons that lead to removal from the school setting.Transitions into adulthood for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A scoping review of promising practices - ScienceDirectTwenty-one peer-reviewed sources were included in the final review. Studies largely focused on one of three areas: (1) programs supporting youth with FASDand their families, (2) lived experiences of individuals with FASD during the transition to adulthood, or (3) preventing adverse outcomes.Read full articleSource: sciencedirect.comSigns & Symptoms of FASD in Adults - Indiana Alliance on Prenatal Substance ExposureLearn the common symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and how it may present itself in adults. For more information, turn to Indiana Alliance’s resources.Read full articleSource: inalliancepse.org
Lifelong Impact
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The effects of FASD are permanent, but early diagnosis and supportive interventions can help reduce their impact and improve quality of life. Many children with FASD require ongoing educational, behavioral, and social support throughout their lives.
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)Mobile health apps and other ... for children with FASD · 1 May PA, Chambers CD, Kalberg WO, Zellner J, Feldman H, Buckley D, Kopald D, Hasken JM, Xu R, Honerkamp-Smith G, Taras H, Manning MA, Robinson LK, Adam MP, Abdul-Rahman O, Vaux K, Jewett T, Elliott AJ, Kable JA, Akshoomoff N, et al. Prevalence of fetalalcoholspectrumdisorders in 4 US ...Read full articleSource: niaaa.nih.govFetal alcohol spectrum disorder - NHSFind out about fetalalcoholspectrumdisorder, which is a range of mental and physical problems that can affect a child if their mother drinks alcohol while pregnant.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukTransitions into adulthood for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A scoping review of promising practices - ScienceDirectTwenty-one peer-reviewed sources were included in the final review. Studies largely focused on one of three areas: (1) programs supporting youth with FASDand their families, (2) lived experiences of individuals with FASD during the transition to adulthood, or (3) preventing adverse outcomes.Read full articleSource: sciencedirect.comTypes of Treatment for FASDs | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDCDifferent treatment approaches can help support people with FASDsand their families.Thriving while living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)Better support, of course, goes ... to spot and diagnose the disability correctly. When Rochester’s FASD diagnostic clinic was established about six years ago, “we quickly recognized that our capacity would never be large enough to serve all of the kids who need care,” says Cole. To that end, Cole has developed a program that builds upon Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), which began ...Read full articleSource: rochester.edu
Summary
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a group of lifelong conditions caused by alcohol exposure before birth. They can affect a child’s physical health, learning, behavior, and ability to function independently. The severity and combination of symptoms vary widely, but early identification and support can help children with FASD reach their full potential. If you have concerns about a child’s development or possible prenatal alcohol exposure, it might be beneficial to speak with a pediatrician or developmental specialist who can work with you on your personal course of care.
Providing feedback helps us improve Penny's responses.
Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
Alcohol Use in Pregnancy - PMC
Alcohol exposure during pregnancy results in impaired growth, stillbirth, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Fetal alcohol deficits are lifelong issues with no current treatment or established diagnostic or therapeutic tools to prevent and/or ameliorate some of these adverse outcomes.
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
5
Alcohol and pregnancy: is drinking up two units twice a week ‘safe’ or should pregnant women completely abstain? - ARC West
The Department of Health released new guidelines on alcohol consumption during pregnancy in January 2016. They state that no level of alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy. This is based on the precautionary principle, which assumes potential harm to the foetus in the absence of high quality ...
Read full article
Source:
ARC West
7
Effects of Developmental Timing on Cognitive and Behavioral Profiles in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Considerations for Education
Likewise, the domain of executive ... of the developmental stages is working memory. Finally, cognitive impairment in the executive functioning domains has a direct impact on the social and adaptive functioning of people with FASD. Keywords: childhood; adolescence; executive functions; behavioral problems; prenatal alcohol exposure; educational needs · FetalAlcohol Spectrum ...
Read full article
Source:
mdpi.com
8
Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Child Development - PMC
Maternal alcohol use during pregnancy ... exposed children, including hyperactivity and attention problems, learning and memory deficits, and problems with social and emotional development. The most serious consequence of maternal drinking during pregnancy is fetal alcohol syndrome ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
Prenatal exposure to alcohol and its impact on reward processing and substance use in adulthood | Translational Psychiatry
Heavy maternal alcohol drinking during pregnancy has been associated with altered neurodevelopment in the child but the effects of low-dose alcohol drinking are less clear and any potential safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy is not known. We evaluated the effects of prenatalalcohol ...
Read full article
Source:
Nature
9
Evidence of detrimental effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on offspring birthweight and neurodevelopment from a systematic review of quasi-experimental studies | International Journal of Epidemiology | Oxford Academic
AbstractBackground. Systematic reviews of prenatalalcoholexposure effects generally only include conventional observational studies. However, estimates f
Read full article
Source:
Oxford Academic
10
The Long-Term Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Offspring: Insights from the ALSPAC Cohort | Child Psychiatry & Human Development
Prenatalalcoholexposure (PAE) is a significant public health concern, associated with adverse developmental outcomes throughout the lifespan. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a globally recognized longitudinal birth cohort, provides a robust dataset for examining ...
Read full article
Source:
SpringerLink
10
Alcohol Alters Gene Function in the Differentiating Cells of the Embryo | University of Helsinki
This research is part of a broader project investigating the mechanisms by which alcohol affects early development and later health. Prenatal alcohol exposure causes a range of developmental disorders collectively referred to as fetalalcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
11
Transitions into adulthood for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A scoping review of promising practices - ScienceDirect
Twenty-one peer-reviewed sources were included in the final review. Studies largely focused on one of three areas: (1) programs supporting youth with FASDand their families, (2) lived experiences of individuals with FASD during the transition to adulthood, or (3) preventing adverse outcomes.
Read full article
Source:
sciencedirect.com
11
Is it all right for women to drink small amounts of alcohol in pregnancy? Yes - PMC
So, no evidence of harm from low levels of intake in pregnancy, but we can't completely exclude the possibility. But in a sense, all of this is of secondary importance. I'm not trying to argue that low levels of alcohol are definitely safe. What I am arguing is that we should respect the autonomy ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
The Effects of Early Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Epigenome and Embryonic Development
Prenatal alcohol exposure is one of the most significant causes of developmental disability in the Western world. Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy leads to an increased risk of neurological deficits and developmental abnormalities in the fetus. Over the past decade, several human ...
Read full article
Source:
mdpi.com
Alcohol and Pregnancy: CDC's Health Advice and the Legal Rights of Pregnant Women - PMC
Evidence suggests a relationship ... pregnancy.7 Public health guidelines issued by the National Institutes of Health in 1977 suggested a two-drink-per-day limit for pregnant women, with a stipulation that ≥6 drinks per day posed a clear risk for harm to the fetus.5 In ...
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Source:
PubMed Central
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Metabolic Disorders in Pediatrics: The Role of the Oxidative Stress—A Review of the Literature
Prenatal alcohol exposure is responsible for increasing chronic disease risk in later life, including obesity and metabolic syndrome. Alcohol drinking may compromise endogenous antioxidant capacity, causing an increase in free radicals and reactive oxygen species in the newborn.
Read full article
Source:
mdpi.com
Alcohol Consumption by Women Before and During Pregnancy - PMC
To determine the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of alcohol consumption prior to and during various intervals of pregnancy in the U.S. Alcohol-related, pregnancy-related, and demographic data were derived from computer-assisted telephone ...
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Source:
PubMed Central
Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure in a prospective sample of young adults: Mental health, substance use, and difficulties with the legal system - ScienceDirect
Few studies have focused on the transition to adulthood in adults with prenatalalcoholexposure (PAE). In this study, we examine the occurrence of pr…
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Source:
sciencedirect.com
Alcohol use during pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa: further analysis of the recent demographic and health survey data | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Full Text
Furthermore, it states that alcohol ... duringpregnancy [6]. On the report of the World Health Organization (WHO), sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has one of the highest per-capita rates of alcoholconsumption in the world, implying a high prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the region [6, 7]. Drinking alcohol is known to cause preventable cognitive impairment in both the child and the mother [8, 9]. One of the few preventable and modifiable risk factors for ...
Read full article
Source:
BioMed Central
Frontiers | Lifelong Impacts of Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Neuroimmune Function
Emerging data from clinical studies ... of fetal alcoholexposure may reprogram the developing central nervous system leading to altered neuroimmune and neuroglial signaling during adulthood. In this review, we will focus on the consequences of low to moderate prenatalalcoholexposure ...
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Source:
Frontiers
Pregnant women’s alcohol consumption and knowledge about its risks: An Israeli survey - ScienceDirect
A significant percentage of Israeli woman consumed alcoholduringpregnancy. ... Pregnant women did not receive information about risksofalcoholconsumption.
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Source:
sciencedirect.com
The Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure - PMC
Exposure to alcohol during gestation can cause persistent abnormalities in physical and cognitive development. Children who meet the clinical definition of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) are small for their age, exhibit characteristic facial anomalies, and demonstrate deficits in central nervous ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
Periconceptional maternal and paternal alcohol consumption and embryonic and fetal development: the Rotterdam periconception cohort - Reproductive BioMedicine Online
The present finding of no significant association between low maternal alcohol consumption and mid-pregnancy fetal development is consistent with previous studies (Bakker et al., 2010). In addition, the present study did not find a significant effect of high maternal alcohol consumption on ...
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Source:
rbmojournal.com
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
1
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Mobile health apps and other ... for children with FASD · 1 May PA, Chambers CD, Kalberg WO, Zellner J, Feldman H, Buckley D, Kopald D, Hasken JM, Xu R, Honerkamp-Smith G, Taras H, Manning MA, Robinson LK, Adam MP, Abdul-Rahman O, Vaux K, Jewett T, Elliott AJ, Kable JA, Akshoomoff N, et al. Prevalence of fetalalcoholspectrumdisorders in 4 US ...
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Source:
niaaa.nih.gov
1
Drinking alcohol while pregnant - NHS
It's recommended that if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant you should not drink alcohol. This will keep any risk to your baby to a minimum. Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby, with the more you drink, the greater the risk.
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Source:
nhs.uk
2
About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDC
There is no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for the baby throughout pregnancy, including before a woman knows she is pregnant. Alcohol use in the first 3 months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features.
2
About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDC
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS): FAS represents the most involved end of the FASD spectrum. People with FAS have central nervous system (CNS) problems, minor facial features, and growth problems. People with FAS can have problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, or hearing.
3
Alcohol and pregnancy | RCOG
Children with FAS usually have severe physical and mental disability. For more information, see the resources available from NOFAS (National Organisation for Foetal Alcohol Syndrome-UK) at: www.nofas-uk.org ... If you are planning a pregnancy, it is advisable not to drink alcohol during this time.
3
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: MedlinePlus
That includes the earliest stages, before you even know you are pregnant. Drinking during pregnancy can cause a group of conditions called fetalalcoholspectrumdisorders (FASDs). Children who are born with FASD can have a mix of problems, such as medical, behavioral, educational, and social ...
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Source:
medlineplus.gov
4
Alcohol and pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Pregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcoholduringpregnancy.
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Source:
medlineplus.gov
5
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder - NHS
Find out about fetalalcoholspectrumdisorder, which is a range of mental and physical problems that can affect a child if their mother drinks alcohol while pregnant.
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Source:
nhs.uk
6
FASDs and Secondary Conditions | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDC
Children with FASDs are at higher risk for being suspended or expelled, or dropping out of school. Difficulty getting along with other children, poor relationships with teachers, and truancy are some of the reasons that lead to removal from the school setting.
7
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Research shows that binge drinking and heavy drinking duringpregnancy put a developing baby at the greatest risk for severe problems.4 However, even lesser amounts can cause harm.5,6 In fact, there is no known safe amount of alcoholconsumptionduringpregnancy.
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Source:
niaaa.nih.gov
8
Alcohol and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!
Information about alcoholandpregnancy. Includes how alcohol can affect babies, making it more likely they'll be born early or underweight
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Source:
NHS Inform
9
Data and Statistics on Alcohol and Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDC
Review data on alcohol use and pregnancy along with descriptions of national data sources.
Alcohol and Women | ACOG
Women who are alcohol dependent ... health, safety, or relationships. Increased physical risks include ... Dependence—Alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking · Tolerance—The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to feel the same effect · How can drinking alcoholduringpregnancy affect my ...
13
Types of Treatment for FASDs | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDC
Different treatment approaches can help support people with FASDsand their families.
Alcohol and Pregnancy | ACOG
If you drink alcoholduringpregnancy, your baby may be at risk of lifelong birth defects. If it is hard for you to stop drinking, talk with your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) or other health care professional about getting help.
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
4
Supporting Success for Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
The life experiences of individuals with FASD vary greatly. ... Alcohol kills developing cells. When alcohol is consumed · during pregnancy, the brain is significantly compromised, smaller, and may have lesions and differences in structure. This damage results in the learning, developmental and · other neurobehavioral symptoms ...
6
Alcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Drinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects in a fetus. Everything a mother drinks also goes to the fetus. Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the immature body of the fetus than in the body of an adult. This can cause the alcohol levels to remain high and stay in ...
12
Drinking while pregnant: What we know and what we don’t | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical Center
The research is conclusive: Binge drinking and heavy consumption of alcohol in pregnancy pose a definite risk to the developing fetus. The CDC defines binge drinking as four drinks or more in two hours for women (five drinks or more for men).
12
Signs & Symptoms of FASD in Adults - Indiana Alliance on Prenatal Substance Exposure
Learn the common symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and how it may present itself in adults. For more information, turn to Indiana Alliance’s resources.
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Source:
inalliancepse.org
14
Thriving while living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)
Better support, of course, goes ... to spot and diagnose the disability correctly. When Rochester’s FASD diagnostic clinic was established about six years ago, “we quickly recognized that our capacity would never be large enough to serve all of the kids who need care,” says Cole. To that end, Cole has developed a program that builds upon Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), which began ...
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Source:
rochester.edu