International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day, or FASD Day as it is known, is an internationally recognized event carried out to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The first FASD Day was observed on September 9, 1999. It was initially organized by a group of parents frustrated by the lack of public awareness about FASD by both the public and professionals, who reached out using the Internet and ultimately recruited more than 70 volunteer coordinators in eight countries. This event now provides an opportunity for community partners to join together to help raise awareness of FASD. 9/9/99 was chosen to remind everyone that a woman can remain alcohol free for all nine months of pregnancy and 9:09 was chosen for a moment of silence. On the ninth minutes of the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month, organizations and agencies across Canada and other parts of the world host events in their community to raise awareness that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should not drink any alcohol. It is also an opportunity to remember those millions of people around the world who are living with FASD and struggle all of their lives because of prenatal alcohol exposure.

The Rethink Your Drinking campaign celebrates International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day, with the message that “Zero Matters” when it comes to alcohol and pregnancy.

The message that it is unsafe to drink alcohol while pregnant is not a new one. However, prenatal exposure to alcohol remains a leading cause of preventable birth defects and developmental delay in Canadian children. It is important for all women who are or may become pregnant to know that there is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy, and no safe amount or type of alcohol to drink.

We want women to know that it’s best to stop drinking before you get pregnant, and it’s also never too late to stop. The earlier you stop, the greater the chance of having a healthy baby.

Birth defects associated with alcohol use can occur in the first 3 to 8 weeks of pregnancy, before a woman may even know that she is pregnant.

FASD refers to a broad range of defects and disabilities that are caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Some of the permanent birth defects and brain damage may include: vision and hearing difficulties; bones, limbs and fingers that are not formed properly; damage to the heart, kidney, liver and other organs; slow growth; learning disabilities; hyperactivity; and difficulty with attention and memory.

For more information:
For more information about alcohol and other drugs during pregnancy, including information on where to get help, please visit our webpage.
Many pregnancies are not planned, meaning that some women may have drunk alcohol before they knew they were pregnant. Anyone with concerns or questions can make a confidential phone call to Motherisk at 1-877-327-4636 or visit www.motherisk.org.
Rethink Your Drinking is a campaign to help change the way we think about and use alcohol. To learn more, visit www.rethinkyourdrinking.ca or call Health Connection at 519-663-5317 ext. 2280 to speak to a public health nurse.