"Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. FASDs have lifelong effects, including problems with behavior and learning as well as physical problems. FASDs are preventable if a developing baby is not exposed to alcohol.
There are resources available to help prevent alcohol use during pregnancy and provide care for children with FASDs and their families.
In a 2022 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), CDC researchers found that nearly 1 in 7 pregnant people reported current drinking* and about 1 in 20 reported binge drinking** during the past 30 days. Pregnant people who experienced frequent mental distress (14 or more days of poor mental health in the past 30 days) and those who did not have a usual healthcare provider were more likely to report .
In a 2023 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), CDC researchers found that 80% of people who were pregnant were asked about alcohol use; however, only 16% of those who self-reported drinking within the past 30 days were advised to quit or reduce their use. These findings highlight missed opportunities to integrate alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI) in practice, utilize strategies to address recognized barriers (e.g., improving reimbursement for alcohol SBI), and to help reduce alcohol use during pregnancy.
What Can Be Done?
Tools for Healthcare Providers
CDC and its partners have resources to help prevent alcohol use during pregnancy and provide care for children with FASDs and their families.
Tools are located here for healthcare providers working in
- family medicine,
- medical assisting,
- nursing,
- obstetrics and gynecology,
- pediatrics, and
- social work.."
Alcohol and Pregnancy
