How to remove the risk of FASD in your baby


The safest pregnancy is an alcohol-free pregnancy


Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. It can affect brain development and may have lifelong effects on learning, memory, attention, communication, behaviour and everyday functioning.

You can remove the risk of FASD in your baby by avoiding alcohol exposure during pregnancy.

The most effective way to prevent FASD is not to drink alcohol while pregnant. There is no known safe amount of alcohol, no safe type of alcoholic drink and no safe stage of pregnancy at which alcohol can be consumed without risk to the developing baby.

This includes beer, wine, spirits, cider and other alcoholic drinks. Even occasional drinking must not be considered safe at any time during pregnancy.


1. If you are planning a pregnancy


If you are thinking about having a baby, the safest choice is to stop drinking alcohol before trying to conceive.

Pregnancy is not always planned, and many people may not realise they are pregnant during the earliest weeks of development. A baby's brain and other organs begin developing very early, so avoiding alcohol when trying to become pregnant helps prevent exposure before a pregnancy is recognised.

If you are planning a pregnancy, consider:


  • Women should stop drinking any alcohol immediately prior to conception and throughout the duration of the pregnancy.
  • Men should stop drinking any alcohol 90 days prior to conception to ensure that his sperm are unaffected by alcohol.
  • Talking to your GP if you have questions about alcohol and pregnancy.
  • Seeking support if you find it difficult to stop drinking.
  • Discussing your plans with your partner, so that you can make healthy choices together.


2. If you are pregnant


If you are pregnant, the safest choice is to avoid alcohol completely for the remainder of your pregnancy.

Alcohol is a teratogen and passes from the pregnant woman's bloodstream through the placenta to the developing baby. The baby's developing brain and other organs can be affected by alcohol exposure throughout pregnancy.

There is no point at which drinking becomes safe. The brain continues to develop throughout pregnancy, so avoiding alcohol at every stage matters.

If you have been drinking and discover that you are pregnant, stop drinking and speak with your GP or midwife. Stopping as soon as possible gives your baby the best opportunity for healthy development.


3. What if I drank alcohol before I knew I was pregnant?


First, try not to panic. Many pregnancies are unplanned, and some people will have consumed alcohol before realising they were pregnant.

Drinking alcohol before discovering a pregnancy does not mean that your baby will definitely develop FASD. Not every baby exposed to alcohol will be affected, and it is not possible to predict the outcome for an individual pregnancy.

The important thing is what happens next:


  • Stop drinking alcohol once you know you are pregnant.
  • Talk openly with your GP, midwife or maternity care team about your concerns.
  • Be honest about how much and how often you have been drinking, so that you can receive appropriate advice and support.
  • Attend your antenatal appointments and follow the advice of your healthcare team.


There is no benefit in feeling ashamed or avoiding help. Healthcare professionals need accurate information so they can support you and your pregnancy.


4. What if I find it difficult to stop drinking?


For some people, stopping alcohol is not straightforward. Alcohol may be part of their daily routine, social life or a way of coping with stress, anxiety, trauma or difficult circumstances. Some people may be physically dependent on alcohol.

If you are finding it difficult to stop, you are not alone, and support is available.

Speak to your GP, midwife or maternity care team as soon as possible. They can help you access appropriate, confidential support.

If you drink heavily or regularly, or think you may be dependent on alcohol, seek prompt medical advice. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, so do not try to manage it alone.

You deserve support, not judgement. Asking for help is an important step towards protecting your health and supporting your baby's development.


5. Partners, family and friends have an important role


Removing the risk of FASD is not solely the responsibility of the pregnant woman. Partners, family members, friends, workplaces and wider society all have a role in creating an environment where alcohol-free pregnancies are supported.

There are practical ways to help:

  • Choose not to drink around someone who is pregnant or trying to conceive.
  • Do not offer alcohol or put pressure on someone to drink.
  • Make alcohol-free drinks available at family gatherings and social occasions.
  • Plan activities that do not revolve around alcohol.
  • Offer encouragement and practical support rather than criticism.
  • Help someone access professional support if they are struggling with alcohol.

A supportive partner or family member can make a real difference. Choosing to avoid alcohol together can help make an alcohol-free pregnancy easier.


6. Are alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks safe?


Some drinks marketed as alcohol-free or non-alcoholic may contain small amounts of alcohol. Labels and definitions can vary, and it may not always be obvious how much alcohol a product contains.

The safest approach during pregnancy is to choose drinks that are clearly labelled 0.0% alcohol and avoid products that may contain alcohol.

There are plenty of alternatives, including sparkling water, fruit-based drinks, mocktails made without alcohol, iced teas and other refreshing options.


7. What if I have already been drinking throughout my pregnancy?


If you have been drinking alcohol during pregnancy, it is important to seek advice from your GP, midwife or maternity care team as soon as possible.

Stopping alcohol at any stage of pregnancy is beneficial. Although previous exposure cannot be reversed, avoiding further exposure gives the developing baby the best opportunity for healthy growth and development.

Be open with your healthcare team about your alcohol use. They can discuss your circumstances, provide appropriate advice and help you access any additional support that may be needed.

Please remember that alcohol exposure does not mean that a baby will definitely develop FASD. Every pregnancy is different, and no individual outcome can be predicted with certainty.


8. Where can I get help in Ireland?


If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or worried about your alcohol use, you do not have to work through this alone.

You can speak to:


  • Your GP - for advice, assessment and referral to appropriate services.
  • Your midwife or maternity care team - for pregnancy-related advice and support.
  • The HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline - free and confidential information and support.
  • HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459


You can also visit the HSE website for information about alcohol and pregnancy and support services.


Prevention without blame. Support without judgement.


At FASD Ireland, we believe that preventing FASD requires clear public health information, accessible support and a society that understands the risks associated with alcohol exposure during pregnancy.


Women should never be left to navigate these challenges alone. Alcohol use can be influenced by many factors, including social pressure, trauma, mental health, dependency and the wider availability and acceptance of alcohol in society.

Prevention must therefore go beyond telling women not to drink. It must include education, early intervention, compassionate healthcare, accessible alcohol support services and shared responsibility across society.


Every pregnancy deserves the best possible start. Every woman deserves support. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their potential.


FASD Ireland promotes awareness, education, prevention and support for people living with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and their families.