Does Drinking During Pregnancy Always Result in FAS?

Question: Does Drinking During Pregnancy Always Result in FAS?

Answer: The most important thing is that you have completely stopped drinking after learning of your pregnancy. It is never too late to stop drinking. The sooner you stop, the better the chances for yourself and your baby. It is not possible to know what harm may have been done already.

Some women may drink heavily during pregnancy and their babies are fine. Others drink less and their babies show various signs of alcohol exposure. Many body parts and organs are developing in the embryonic stage (weeks three to eight of the pregnancy). This is the time when most women do not know they are pregnant.

There is no known safe amount of alcohol or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. It is recommended not to drink at all if one is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If a woman is sexually active and not using an effective form of birth control, she should not drink at all. The best advice is to talk to your doctor about this and be sure to receive routine prenatal care throughout your pregnancy.

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