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Alcohol crosses the placenta and is toxic for the fetus. The effects of alcohol use during pregnancy are unpredictable, variable and permanent. Nearly 400 possible health problems have been associated with it.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is difficult to diagnose and often confused with other diagnoses, such as oppositional defiant disorder and attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity.
Did you know that…
80% of Quebec women aged 12 and up consume alcohol and nearly 50% of them do so regularly.
29% of women aged 18–34 have drank excessively (4 or more drinks on one occasion) at least once a month during the past year.
The ASPQ has developed its first awareness campaign entitled During pregnancy, go alcohol free. It can help you raise awareness of this issue among your patients.
The ASPQ offers you a short meeting to raise your team's awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
The majority of people are unaware of FASD and even less of its effects on the unborn child. Simply talking about alcohol consumption during pregnancy is unfortunately still taboo in Quebec. Very few data are available to understand this major public health issue.
Discover concrete tools to better support future mothers in pregnancy monitoring by addressing the issue of alcohol consumption during pregnancy with empathy.
A. After exploring and supplementing the woman’s knowledge of the consequences of alcohol use during pregnancy, attempt to learn more about her reasons for drinking in order to offer support without seeking justification.
Here are some examples of questions you could ask :
If she displays some openness in this regard, let her know that it’s never too late to stop drinking and share some resources with her.
A. No, because there’s no recognized safe level of alcohol use for the fetus. In addition, the consequences of alcohol are unpredictable and depend on uncontrollable factors, such as the genetics of the mother and the unborn child. This is why we recommend abstinence.
A. You can find different options in the Resources section.
A. It’s important to educate the following three target audiences to better prevent FASD.
A. Only 10 % to 20 % of people with FASD have characteristic facial features. According to the 2015 Canadian guidelines, a multidisciplinary team is required to confidently make a FASD diagnosis. Since there are few specialized teams in Quebec, FASD is under-diagnosed.
If you suspect FASD in a child, specialists at the CHU Sainte-Justine, the Montreal Children’s Hospital or the CHUL in Quebec City can be consulted. SafEra, an organization that specializes in supporting people with FASD, can also refer you to specialized professionals.
To learn more about the importance of diagnosing earlier rather than later, consult the second FASD newsletter, “Briser les tabous pour mieux prévenir” (in French only).
A. The effects of alcohol on a developing baby are variable, unpredictable and permanent. FASD is not a disease, but an irreversible condition. Therefore, there is no treatment. However, early management to stimulate certain spheres of development and propose compensatory strategies will ensure an easier life.
Since 2020, the ASPQ has published an annual newsletter during International FASD Awareness Month.
The ASPQ has produced various reports that are available to professionals and caregivers to learn more about FASD.
Discuss alcohol use with all pregnant women and inform them that this topic is routinely talked about to avoid guilt or stigma.
Integrate the topic of alcohol with other lifestyle habits : sleep, physical activity, medication, diet and smoking.
Explore the pregnant woman’s knowledge of the risks of alcohol during pregnancy. If necessary, fill in the gaps. This website can help you.
Example :
Explore how she feels about going without alcohol throughout the pregnancy to see if she finds it difficult and to offer resources if needed.
Example :
Use open-ended questions that promote dialogue.
Avoid leading questions such as, “You don’t drink alcohol, do you?”
Focus on non-judgemental, exploratory questions.
Examples :
The more our society is aware of the impacts of alcohol use during pregnancy and FASD, the easier it will be to support expectant mothers in abstaining from alcohol during this stage of their lives as well as support people with FASD and their families.
Contribute to this movement by sharing information with your friends and family!
Instagram account for the #alcoholfreepregnancy campaign
