Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) during the COVID-19 pandemic

May 29, 2020 | 9:17 AM

The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network and the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health are committed to supporting Canadians, our stakeholders, and public health efforts by providing reliable information to support sound decision making related to alcohol use in the context of the current COVID19 pandemic.

Today, it has been reported that Canadians have increased their alcohol use during this period of isolation CCSA report. The highest increase of alcohol use is for people aged 18-54. There is a prediction that there will be a baby boom in 2021 due to the isolation that couples of child bearing age are experiencing.

We encourage Canadians to be mindful that alcohol use during pregnancy can cause harm to fetal health and result in lifetime effects known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

There are many factors in addition to alcohol use, that affect risk for FASD such as the mother’s overall health, nutrition and use of other substances, stress level and connection to prenatal care, as well as genetics.

There is no known safe time or level of drinking during pregnancy, thus experts agree that it is safest not to drink alcohol in pregnancy and encourage reducing or stopping alcohol consumption by women and their partners in the preconception and perinatal period.