Safest not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Q: Myth: FASD is readily apparent from a person’s looks.

The Truth: You often can‘t tell if someone has FASD just by looking at them. Less than 10% of people with prenatal alcohol exposure have visible facial differences, as there is only a short period of time during the pregnancy when alcohol affects facial features. That is why FASD may be viewed as an “invisible disability.”

Q: Myth: It’s okay to drink in moderation during pregnancy.

The Truth: There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Experts recommend that the safest option is no alcohol at all. ZERO alcohol is safest But there are a number of reasons someone may drink during pregnancy, including: Not knowing the risks of drinking during pregnancy Not knowing they are pregnant Using alcohol to cope with trauma or violence Pressure from a partner Substance use challenges Go alcohol-free if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or having unprotected sex.

Q: Myth: Behaving appropriately is a choice. People with FASD just need to try harder.

The Truth: The brain damage associated with FASD makes it difficult if not impossible for individuals to control their behaviour. It is not a choice. People with FASD may experience many challenges. Approximately 90% of people with FASD will experience mental health challenges at some point.

Q: Myth: FASD affects children and adolescents. It’s something they eventually outgrow.

The Truth: FASD is a permanent, life-long disability that often creates greater challenges in adulthood, when its behavioural consequences become less acceptable. FASD is a WHOLE BODY DISORDER ; it affects both the brain and the body.

Q: Myth: A father’s alcohol consumption prior to conception can cause FASD.

The Truth: The only known cause of FASD is a woman’s consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. However, expectant fathers can play a key role in prevention by supporting their partners in the decision not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Zero Limit : Zero Risk

Sandfly2022-12-14T12:22:44-07:00

Let’s Talk : Adult

Adults, Prevention

Let’s Talk : Adult

Adults, Prevention

Sandfly2024-06-26T09:14:00-06:00

Let’s Get Real : Adolescent

Prevention, Students, Youth

Let’s Get Real : Adolescent

Prevention, Students, Youth

Awareness Campaign

The Mocktails For Me (formerly Mocktails For Mom) campaign is designed to promote healthy pregnancies by encouraging women that are pregnant or wanting to become pregnant to choose a non-alcohol, Mocktail, drink. We also encourage friends and family to support an alcohol free pregnancy by sharing a mocktail instead of a cocktail.

Key messaging is:

1. Drinking alcohol & pregnancy don’t mix.

2. There is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy.

3. Together let’s prevent FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder)

4. Have a #drynine

September 9th is FASD Day

SEAFAN organizes and supports annual events, including a training day and Red Shoe Day, to raise awareness for FASD.

Safest not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

In Alberta, FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) programs and services actively encourage that drinking no alcohol during pregnancy is best – no exposure equals no risk. These programs address prevention, awareness as well as supports for diagnosis/assessment and a variety of supports to individuals with FASD and their families.

Myths vs Truths

What we know about FASD

Myth: FASD is readily apparent from a person’s looks.Sandfly2022-10-25T18:20:41-06:00

Myth: FASD is readily apparent from a person’s looks.

The Truth: You often can‘t tell if someone has FASD just by looking at them.

Less than 10% of people with prenatal alcohol exposure have visible facial differences, as there is only a short period of time during the pregnancy when alcohol affects facial features. That is why FASD may be viewed as an “invisible disability.”

Myth: It’s okay to drink in moderation during pregnancy.Sandfly2022-10-25T18:21:21-06:00

Myth: It’s okay to drink in moderation during pregnancy.

The Truth: There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Experts recommend that the safest option is no alcohol at all.
ZERO alcohol is safest
But there are a number of reasons someone may drink during pregnancy, including:

Not knowing the risks of drinking during pregnancy
Not knowing they are pregnant
 Using alcohol to cope with trauma or violence
 Pressure from a partner
Substance use challenges

Go alcohol-free if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or having unprotected sex.

Myth: Behaving appropriately is a choice. People with FASD just need to try harder.Sandfly2022-10-25T18:22:08-06:00

Myth: Behaving appropriately is a choice. People with FASD just need to try harder.

The Truth: The brain damage associated with FASD makes it difficult if not impossible for individuals to control their behaviour. It is not a choice.

People with FASD may experience many challenges. Approximately 90% of people with FASD will experience mental health challenges at some point.

Myth: FASD affects children and adolescents. It’s something they eventually outgrow.Sandfly2022-10-25T18:22:51-06:00

Myth: FASD affects children and adolescents. It’s something they eventually outgrow.

The Truth: FASD is a permanent, life-long disability that often creates greater challenges in adulthood, when its behavioural consequences become less acceptable.

FASD is a WHOLE BODY DISORDER; it affects both the brain and the body.

Myth: A father’s alcohol consumption prior to conception can cause FASD.Sandfly2022-10-25T18:23:29-06:00

Myth: A father’s alcohol consumption prior to conception can cause FASD.

The Truth: The only known cause of FASD is a woman’s consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. However, expectant fathers can play a key role in prevention by supporting their partners in the decision not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Learn more about FASD