• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders (FASD) is a pattern of birth defects that results from drinking alcohol during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Pevention’s August 1996 final report FASD/FAE, each year an estimated 130 to 400 children in Michigan are born with FASD.
• Children born with FASD may be small in size, have abnormal facial features and central nervous system problems. FASD symptoms are not reversible. Children with FASD never catch up mentally or physically.
• FASD is the leading cause of mental retardation the United States.
• FASD is totally preventable. No alcohol during pregnancy = no FASD.
• Alcohol in any form is alcohol. A can of beer, a glass of wine, or a mixed drink can all contain alcohol, and have the same effect.
• Every time a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the alcohol passes through the placenta to the unborn baby.
• Alcohol is more harmful to the fetus than the mother because of the unborn baby’s small size and rapid growth rate.
• Even women who drink only on special occasions run the risk of harming their unborn baby.
• Pregnant teenagers are more likely to have babies with problems and drinking alcohol may increase these risks.
• There is no safe drinking level. The best advice is to avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

If you are breast-feeding, alcohol can reach the baby through breast milk and cause problems in development.

Call the Michigan Substance Abuse Treatment Information Lineat 1-888-736-0253 for more information regarding treatment programs available in your area.

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