Understanding FASD Prevention
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is preventable—but prevention is complex. It is true that FASD only occurs when a fetus is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.
However, simply stating that “FASD is 100% preventable” oversimplifies a much more nuanced issue and can unintentionally contribute to stigma, blame, and shame—especially toward women who are most in need of support.
More Than Just Awareness
Raising awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is important, but it’s only one part of the solution. FASD prevention involves understanding and addressing the broader social, emotional, and systemic factors that influence alcohol use during pregnancy. Some of these factors may include:
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Unplanned or unrecognized pregnancy
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Lack of access to health education or prenatal care
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Substance use challenges or dependency
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Trauma, abuse, or domestic violence
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Mental health concerns
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Social isolation or lack of support networks
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Cultural or systemic barriers to care
It’s essential to recognize that many people who use alcohol during pregnancy do so in contexts where support and information may not be readily available. Creating prevention strategies that don’t account for these realities can lead to harmful stigma and reduce the likelihood of individuals seeking help.
Education & Prevention
The Prevention Conversation uses common messaging to reduce stigma and increase awareness about the potential challenges of prenatal alcohol exposure. We are pleased to offer education and awareness opportunities as well as resources to individuals and groups in a variety of delivery methods both in person and online.
We offer public education days, as well as private presentations for organizations or interest groups, as well as one-on-one sessions for individuals wanting to learn more. We participate in community development opportunities across Central Alberta and welcome the opportunity to set up our resource table at local community events or activities.
Four Levels of FASD Prevention
PUBLIC AWARENESS
We raise public awareness through campaigns and other broad strategies. Public policy initiatives and health promotion activities supportive of everyone’s health are key.
SAFE DISCUSSIONS
Level two of prevention is about those of childbearing years having the opportunity for safe discussions about reproductive health, contraception, pregnancy, alcohol use, and related issues, with their support networks.
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
The third level of prevention focuses on the provision of supportive services that are specialized, culturally safe, and accessible for those of childbearing years with alcohol problems, histories of violence and trauma, and related health concerns. These trauma-informed, harm-reduction oriented recovery services are needed not only for those that are pregnant, but also throughout the childbearing years.
HEALTHY CHANGES
We support new parents to maintain healthy changes they have been able to make during pregnancy. Postpartum support for new parents who were not able to make significant changes in their substance use during pregnancy is also vital to assist them to continue to improve their health and social support, as well as the health of their children.