What effect can alcohol have on a developing baby?

Alcohol passes through the placenta to the fetus. This can lead to the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). When developing organs are exposed to alcohol, this can damage the brain and other organs. This damage can’t be fixed or treated.

The damage can cause physical, emotional and mental disabilities.

1 in 100 babies born in Canada is affected by FASD.

Alcohol use during pregnancy may also lead to:

• low birth weight
• preterm birth
• miscarriage
• stillbirth