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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffDoctors haven't identified a safe level of alcohol that a pregnant woman can consume. But, experts do know that FAS is completely preventable if women don't consume alcohol during pregnancy.
These guidelines can help prevent fetal alcohol syndrome:
- Stop drinking alcohol altogether if you're planning to become pregnant, because your baby's brain, heart and blood vessels begin to develop in the early weeks of pregnancy. If you haven't already stopped drinking, stop as soon as you know you're pregnant or if you even think you might be pregnant. It's never too late to stop drinking during your pregnancy, but the sooner you stop, the better it is for your baby.
- Continue to avoid alcohol throughout your pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome is completely preventable in children whose mothers don't drink during pregnancy.
- Consider giving up alcohol during your childbearing years if you're sexually active and you're having unprotected sex. Many pregnancies are unplanned, and damage can occur in the earliest weeks of pregnancy.
- If you have an alcohol problem, get help before you get pregnant. Get professional help to determine your level of dependence on alcohol and to develop a treatment plan.
References
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/fasask.htm. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Sielski LA. Infants of mothers with substance abuse. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 10, 2009.
- Effects of alcohol on a fetus. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/prevline/pdfs/SMA07-4275.pdf. Accessed April 11, 2009.
- Drinking alcohol during pregnancy. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/printableArticles/14332_1170.asp. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Understanding fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Getting a diagnosis. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. http://fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/documents/WYNKDiagnosis_5_colorJA_new.pdf. Accessed April 9, 2009.
