by Krista Wardrope, CDT, Community Coordinator, FASD Project, CMM

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Prevention During the Holidays

With Christmas and New Years just around the corner it can be a busy time of year that is filled with office parties and get togethers with friends and family. It’s a common theme for alcohol to a part of the holidays and for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, this time of year can be challenging.

It is important to remember that there is no safe amount of alcohol, no safe type, and no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

As a partner, friend or family member, there are ways we can support loved ones in their choice of not drinking when they are pregnant;

• Do not serve alcohol when you are hosting a gettogether
• Serve mocktails (non-alcohol drinks) www.lcbo.com/socialresponsibility/mocktails.shtml
• If you are out with someone who is pregnant choose not to drink yourself
• Support and speak up if there are pressures from others to drink alcohol

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a physical and Neurodevelopmental disorder that is the direct effect from their biological mother drinking when pregnant. Drinking alcohol during a pregnancy can cause a women’s baby to be born with birth defects and developmental disabilities. Babies exposed to alcohol in the womb can develop FASD. These disorders include a wide range of physical, behavioural and learning problems.

Remember FASD is a preventable disorder and 100% prev ...