Reducing Alcohol- Exposed Pregnancies

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The term FASDs is used to define the spectrum of physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities that can result from prenatal alcohol exposure. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is one of the most severe outcomes of
drinking alcohol during pregnancy. FASDs are preventable if women do not drink during pregnancy.

The report highlights the critical importance of alcohol screening using validated screening tools in identifying women at risk for alcohol misuse and AEPs. The prevention strategies described in the report are categorized using a prevention framework of universal, selective, and indicated prevention. Universal prevention interventions attempt to promote the health of the general public or a particular group, regardless of risk, while selective and indicated prevention strategies are more targeted and intensive falling along a continuum of care depending on
the severity of the problem.