Prevention

Preventing FASD requires a complex understanding of the prevalence of alcohol consumption, reasons for alcohol use, and the many societal factors involved in making healthy decisions before, during, and after pregnancy.

Health Canada suggests that if you are planning a pregnancy, it is best to abstain from alcohol consumption. If you are drinking alcohol or engaging in sex that could result in a pregnancy, and are not planning a pregnancy, use contraception. If you are pregnant, it is safest to stop drinking alcohol immediately. (PHAC, 2023).

78% of Nova Scotians consume alcohol (CADS, 2019).

Approximately 50% of pregnancies are unplanned. Where there is alcohol, there is FASD; alcohol knows no socio-economic or cultural boundaries.

Research suggests a four-step model for the prevention of FASD.

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Learn more about Prevention of FASD by exploring additional resources.

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References

https://www.cmaj.ca/content/suppl/2015/12/14/cmaj.141593.DC1 Cook, JL, Green CR, Lilley CM, et al.; Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD); a guideline for diagnosis across the lifespan. CMAJ 2015. DOI:10.1503/cmaj.141593.

CanFASD (2022, January 1). 10 fundamental components of FASD prevention from a women’s health determinants perspective. Retrieved July 14, 2024, from https://canfasd.ca/wp-content/uploads/publications/Consensus-Statement-10-Fundamental-Comonents-of-FASD-Prevention.pdf…

CanFASD (2013, January 1). PREVENTION of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) A multi-level model. Retrieved July 14, 2024, from https://canfasd.ca/wp-content/uploads/publications/PREVENTION-of-Fetal-Alcohol-Spectrum-Disorder-FASD-A-multi-level-model.pdf

G. O. C. (n.d.). Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CADS): Summary of results for 2019. Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canadian-alcohol-drugs-survey/2019-summary.html

Poole, N. A. (2008). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention: Canadian Perspectives. Public Health Agency of Canada.