When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, her baby also drinks.

Alcohol is bad for the baby: the baby is too young to drink!

The range of damage caused to the foetus due to alcohol consumption during pregnancy is called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Alcohol can harm the baby's brain, heart, eyes and other organs.

Children with FASD may have difficulty learning, controlling how they act, and making friends. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause permanent damage to the fetus. These nine months last a lifetime.

Let's keep them alcohol-free. FASD affects all of us, but it is 100% preventable. Together, we can prevent FASD!

How does alcohol affect the baby?

Alcohol affects the growth of the baby, especially the brain. The baby can be smaller than normal and can cry a lot. As the child grows up, they may become hyperactive or difficult and have trouble learning at school. As a teenager, many of these young people drop out of school, fail to keep a job, and engage in criminal behavior.

Are all kinds of alcoholic beverages harmful?

Yes, wine, beer, cider, appetizers, fruit alcoholic beverages, spirits such as rum, whiskey or vodka can harm the baby. All kinds of alcoholic beverage are harmful to the baby.

How much alcohol is harmful?

There is no safe amount of alcohol or a safe time to drink during pregnancy or when planning to become pregnant. Even a small amount of alcohol can be harmful. It is safer NOT to drink during pregnancy.

What is FASD?

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are names given to the problems a baby may have if the mother drinks during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause retarded growth, birth defects and brain damage. A person with FASD faces lifelong challenges.

Is FASD preventable?

Yes, for NOT consuming alcohol during pregnancy or while planning to become pregnant.

My friend drank during pregnancy and her son is healthy.

Every pregnancy, child and mother are different. It is better NOT to risk harming the child.

I'm pregnant and I've been drinking...

It's never too late to stop drinking. If you stop now, your baby will be healthier.

I'm not pregnant and I drink. How can I avoid the risk of having a child with FASD in the future?

If you don't use birth control, or want to have a baby, stop drinking now. Alcohol makes it more difficult to become pregnant and increases the risk of miscarriage. Alcohol is harmful to the baby from the moment of conception.

What can parents do? What can friends and family do? What can we all do?

Parents can support the future mom respecting her decision not to drink. Many parents also stop drinking during pregnancy.

In our society, drinking often plays a big role in social life. Sometimes pregnant women also feel pressured to drink.

Friends and family should respect your decision not to drink, and should help you avoid situations where you usually drink, such as parties and bars.

It is the responsibility of all of us to support future mothers.

I think my son has FASD.

Talk to your doctor or health clinic about your concerns. Children with FASD can benefit from a caring and structured environment, as well as special help (e.g., speech therapist or physiotherapist).

Source: http://2016.tooyoungtodrink.org/