How Much Alcohol Causes FASD?

More and more, people are becoming aware of the dangers of alcohol. Across all ages, we understand the harm that alcohol can do if abused.

Even unborn children can be affected by alcohol use. One of the many issues that alcohol can cause for children is Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, an incredibly serious life-long condition.

Awareness of this specific condition has grown in recent years, too. There are charities and organisations dedicated to educating and supporting people dealing with this condition, and there is even an International FASD Awareness Day.

It’s important to know upfront that no level of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. You should know about the dangers of drinking in pregnancy, why this can cause FASD and what support is out there.

What Is FASD?

FASD is a lifelong developmental condition that occurs due to prenatal alcohol exposure, which occurs if the baby isn’t lost during the pregnancy. This means that in the womb, the fetus is exposed to alcohol, which results in hampering physical, cognitive, and behavioural development for the rest of that person’s life.

The condition is a spectrum, and not one person with FASD is like the other, as over 400 conditions co-occur with FASD.

While it may not be a health condition you’ve heard of, it may be more common than you expect. A study by the University of Salford found that 1.8% of children taking part definitely had FASD, with this number rising to 3.6% for those who may have it.

If you applied that number to the UK population, that is more people suffering from FASD than diagnosed with autism.

How Much Alcohol Causes FASD?

As stated above, when it comes to alcohol and pregnancy risks, no amount of drinking is safe for a fetus.

There is no way to know beforehand how your baby may be affected by alcohol. Even small amounts of the substance can cause problems. A study from 2020 found that even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy increased the risk of issues such as impulsivity in the child, difficulty paying attention and mental health diagnoses.

Any amount of alcohol you drink can affect your child because the alcohol passes directly to the baby via the placenta and they can’t process it.

Due to the unknowability of it all, and with every pregnancy being different, strict guidelines are in place. Because the risks vary and there’s no predicting the outcome, it’s better to be safe when it comes to FASD prevention and say that no amount of alcohol is safe for a pregnant woman and their unborn baby.

While it’s important to have these guidelines, we know that accidents happen. Especially in early pregnancy, women may drink before they know they are pregnant. It’s important that women get the support they need, rather than being shamed and left to feel unnecessarily guilty.

Why Alcohol Affects Pregnancy

So, what causes FASD?

Alcohol is a toxic substance which our livers break down, reducing the toxicity. As alcohol enters the bloodstream first, it travels all over and through the placenta to the womb. Unborn babies cannot process alcohol as their liver has not developed, disrupting brain and organ development.

Alcohol also interrupts oxygen to the baby by lowering the oxygen levels in the mother’s bloodstream and constricting blood vessels in the umbilical cord and placenta. It can also interrupt the placenta’s ability to transport nutrients to the fetus.

Risks & Possible Effects of FASD

FASD is a spectrum. There are many risks and ways it can present in a child. There are many signs you should be aware of if you are worried about the condition or believe a child you know is suffering. Signs of FASD and possible effects include:

• Learning difficulties, such as difficulty learning new things, problem-solving, and focusing.
• Behavioural challenges
• Impulse control issues
• Speech and language delay, taking longer to develop these key skills.
• Memory problems
• Physical developmental issues
• Facial differences, small eyes, thin lips and a flat bridge nose.
• Mood swings

Can You Get FASD From Light or Occasional Drinking?

Whilst the highest risk of FASD is when expectant mothers drink heavily, there is evidence to suggest that even occasional drinking during pregnancy can have long-term consequences. A study from 2019 found that moderate alcohol exposure could put fetuses at risk of developing FASD. More research by the University of Melbourne, published in 2025, found that occasional exposure to alcohol may influence facial features and brain development in unborn babies.

Because of this, the safest course to take is to drink no alcohol when you are pregnant or trying to conceive. This removes all risk and will allow you and your baby to be as healthy as you can be.

But if you have drunk alcohol before knowing you are pregnant, that’s okay, and you shouldn’t panic. Just talk to your doctor or medical professional to see if anything needs to be done about it.

What to Do If You’ve Been Drinking During Pregnancy

If you have been drinking during pregnancy, there are steps you must take. You should:

• Contact your healthcare provider: You can self-refer or get a referral from your GP for pregnancy care. You will then be provided with monitoring and support throughout the pregnancy.

• Be honest: During your first appointment with your midwife or GP, you will be asked about drinking. Tell the truth, and they can help you plan the next steps and figure out the way forward.

• Don’t panic: Your actions may have scared you and made you feel ashamed. It’s important to remember that there are positive next steps and help is there.

Many people are aware of the recommended weekly consumption of alcohol guidelines provided by the NHS. However, many pregnant women are unaware of the stricter guidelines for them until they enter pregnancy, so plenty of women are in the same boat. Support is there for you. Remember not to get too down and take positive steps for yourself and your baby.

Support for Pregnant People Struggling With Alcohol

If you are suffering from alcohol addiction during pregnancy, you need to know that you are not alone. Help is out there for you, and you can access it and get the support you need without feeling shame.

We at Rehab Clinics Group provide expert care under the belief that addiction recovery requires compassionate care and continuing support. Through us, you can gain access to comprehensive addiction treatment.

Rehabilitation with Rehab Clinics Group involves:

• Medically assisted detox (if it is safe for you to do so)
• Psychological and emotional support through individual and group therapy sessions
• Support for families and friends
• Continuing support beyond rehab with an aftercare programme and relapse prevention plan