Alcohol, Pregnancy, and your Mental Health during Covid-19

As we stay home to protect ourselves during the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation and physical distancing increases stress and for some, increases their alcohol intake to cope.

Increased alcohol consumption and having unprotected sex increases the potential to have an alcohol exposed pregnancy which can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and will need special supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives.

Awareness and support are important to prevent FASD. If women are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, we are asking them to reduce their risk of FASD by going alcohol-free. If they are not trying to get pregnant, reliable contraception is important.

This one-page infographic provides resources and links on alcohol, pregnancy and mental health. It is available in English, French, Mandarin and Spanish. Please share this resource – include it in your newsletter, post it on your social media site and promote the health and well-being of our present and future Canadians.