We all have a part to play in FASD prevention. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is complex and there are lots of reasons why alcohol use during pregnancy may occur. Many people still believe that FASD prevention is as simple as “stopping drinking during pregnancy”. This negates the realities of women and pregnant people’s lives. These misconceptions can lead to narrow and stigmatizing approaches rather than multidimensional, respectful, and engaging approaches.
Social determinants of health such as poverty, nutrition, access to prenatal care, physical environment, and housing all increase the risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancies. As do experiences of violence, trauma, grief, adverse childhood experiences stress, and isolation. Working together to provide holistic, health promoting responses to these complex and interconnected influences are vital to FASD prevention.
Read on to learn about how you can play a part in FASD prevention this FASD Awareness Month.
Get profession-specific advice
FASD prevention intersects with a wide range of professions so it’s best to get specific advice on what resources are out there for you. CanFASD has an easy-to-use webpage that gives actionable steps for people from different professions and walks of life to better support healthy pregnancies.
It covers accountants, caregivers, educators, employers, family members, friends, communities and neighbours, housing service providers, lawyers, media and marketing professionals, mental health and substance use professionals, nurses and midwives, nutritionists, partners, physicians, police officers, politicians and policy makers, service industry workers, social workers, students and tradespeople.
The Prevention Conversation
The Prevention Conversation is an online training program for front-line health and social services professionals to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage their clients/patients in a supportive and non-judgmental conversation about alcohol use during pregnancy, its lasting effects on the developing child, and resources and supports available to women of childbearing age.
This course discusses FASD prevention by providing information about the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy as well as considerations to support women in a way that promotes healthy relationships with professionals and promotes safety and health in all facets of their lives.
Take the alcohol-free option at your next social event
By opting for alcohol-free alternatives, we can play a crucial role in promoting a healthier and safer environment for everyone, especially for women and gender diverse individuals who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Partners, friends, and family play an important role in supporting healthy pregnancies. At your next social event, choose mocktails over cocktails!
You can help support healthy pregnancies by:
- Going alcohol-free with your pregnant friend, partner, or family member
- Providing alcohol-free alternatives
- Hosting alcohol-free events
We hope you found this blogpost useful. If you would like to learn more, check out CanFASD’s prevention webpages.