4 Ways to Prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

1. Avoid Drinking Alcoholic Beverages While Pregnant

Fetal alcohol syndrome affects as many as 40,000 babies a year, and both physical and mental birth defects are possible results. It can be completely prevented simply by staying away from alcohol while you're pregnant. Some women believe that avoiding heavy drinking is sufficient to protect their unborn babies, but there is actually no safe quantity of alcohol for pregnant women to ingest. Any alcohol you drink while pregnant will cross the placenta and go to the baby. That alcohol can interfere with normal fetal development at all stages of pregnancy.

2. Avoid Drinking Alcohol When Pregnancy is Possible

If you are currently trying to get pregnant, you should avoid all alcohol as well. Because it can take several weeks to realize you are pregnant, drinking during this time can expose your fetus to alcohol even before you know you're pregnant. Likewise, if you are engaging in unprotected sex without birth control precautions, you should also avoid alcohol. A fetus is particularly vulnerable to birth defects from alcohol in the first trimester of a pregnancy.

3. Get Help With Alcoholism Before and During Pregnancy

If you are unable to stop drinking before or during a pregnancy, that is an indicator that you may have a problem with alcoholism. Preventing fetal alcohol syndrome requires strict alcohol abstinence, so you need to get help to stop drinking. Talk to your doctor about treatment programs you can join, of which Alcoholics Anonymous is a popular choice. Going to meetings throughout your pregnancy can help maintain your sobriety. Once your child is born, it's important to continue your sobriety as well. Alcohol can also be transmitted to an infant through breast milk.

4. Fathers Can Provide Support for Alcohol Abstinence

While the physical effects of pregnancy are primarily focused on pregnant mothers, fathers can do a lot to help their partners stay healthy during the pregnancy. In a show of support and solidarity, it's recommended that fathers participate in alcohol abstinence as well. When both partners are avoiding alcohol and other harmful substances like drugs and cigarettes, it makes it easier on the pregnant mother. Staying out of bars and social situations where alcohol is present is particularly recommended for mothers who have issues with alcoholism.