Alcohol consumption any time during pregnancy can cause issues with fetal development, including low birth weight, brain injury, behavioral problems and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).  

Alcohol passes from the pregnant person to the baby through the umbilical cord. The baby’s brain develops throughout pregnancy, and can be affected by alcohol exposure at any time.  

FASD has no cure and can lead to a lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities.

Diagnosing FASD is difficult, as there is not a medical test for these conditions, and signs and symptoms may be similar to other disorders.  

Help is available for those who find it difficult to refrain from drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider about your alcohol use in pregnancy, or visit Proof Alliance for more ideas and resources.  

View the full data brief Estimates of Alcohol Exposed Pregnancies (PDF).