Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can impact fetal development and cause irreversible birth defects and brain injury. Children with prenatal alcohol exposure are at risk of having fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). FASD is not a diagnosis but rather an umbrella term describing the range of birth defects caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. There are many terms under the FASD umbrella, including these medical diagnoses Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Alcohol Related Neuro-developmental Disorders (ARND) Alcohol Related Birth Defects (ARBD) Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS) Unfortunately, there is not a simple medical test (such as a blood test) that can be used to confirm a diagnosis. Instead, FASD is diagnosed by a team of trained professionals. Click here to learn more about the screening process.

How much alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy?

You've probably heard that binge drinking is unsafe during pregnancy, but did you know that drinking at low levels can also affect a baby's development? Research has found that just one drink a day during pregnancy can lead to developmental issues during childhood. The safest and healthiest choice is to not drink any alcohol throughout the entire pregnancy.

How about wine? My doctor recommended I drink a glass of wine every now and then to help me relax.

All types of alcohol – including wine, beer, hard cider, wine coolers, and hard liquor – contain chemicals known as teratogens that are harmful to the embryo or fetus. One glass of red wine has the same amount of alcohol as one shot of vodka. Drinking any type of alcohol can impact fetal development and cause lifelong brain injury.

If that’s true, why did my doctor say it was okay?

We all want to trust that our doctors are giving us the best possible medical advice. However, research has found that many health care providers aren’t aware of the most up-to-date information on alcohol use during pregnancy. Because of this, they may be sharing incorrect information with their patients. Proof Alliance is working to ensure that all health care professionals across the country know that there is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.

Statewide Contacts

Our friendly team will be happy to answer questions. Please call or send us a message using the contact form and we will be happy to assist.

Lauren Borchert

Statewide

Amy Hendricks

Statewide

1-800-662-8706
fasd [AT] arcnc [DOT] org
The Arc of North Carolina

Purchase Now!

(01) 123-456-7890

Contact Proof Alliance NC

Statewide Contacts

Our friendly team will be happy to answer questions. Please call or send us a message using the contact form and we will be happy to assist.

Lauren Borchert

Amy Hendricks

For more information, or to schedule a training, please contact us using the form below.

Lets Get Social!

Contact

Proof Alliance NC is a:

Contract with NC DHHS