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Prevention

Mothers and their partners can make healthy choices before, during and after pregnancy. Families, friends and communities can all help. Supporting all women of childbearing years to make healthy choices in pregnancy, including a focus on prenatal alcohol use, provides a foundation for preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

FASD is one of the most common forms of preventable brain damage. A baby's brain and nervous system develop all through pregnancy. Drinking alcohol can be harmful to the developing baby at any point during pregnancy. There is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy and there is no safe amount.

For more information on the possible side effects of alcohol and other substances on pregnant and breastfeeding women, please contact:

• B.C.'s Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service toll-free at: 1 800 663-1441
• The BC NurseLine: 1 866 215-4700
• • In Greater Vancouver: 604 215-4700
  • Deaf/hearing impaired: 1 866 889-4700
• BC Health Files: Pregnancy and Alcohol Use
• Public Health Nursing at your local health unit

In 2005 the Ministry of Health announced new investments to support FASD prevention through ActNow BC - Healthy Choices in Pregnancy. A goal of this initiative is to increase by 50% the number of women counselled about alcohol use in pregnancy. To support service providers who work with pregnant women and women in childbearing years, information on educational sessions and resources is available at Healthy Choices in Pregnancy: Provincial Education and Resource Development.