What are the consequences of drinking alcohol while pregnant?
A mother’s use of alcohol during pregnancy can lead to permanent brain damage, physical birth defects or growth deficiencies for her child. Consequences can include: • vision and hearing difficulties; • bones, limbs and fingers that are not properly formed; • heart, kidney, liver and other organ damage; • learning disabilities; • hyperactivity; • attention or memory deficits; • difficulty managing anger; and • difficulties with problem solving. In Canada, it is estimated that at least one out of every 100 babies is born with FASD, or about 3,000 Canadian children each year.
