FASD Month 2026: Message to parents-to-be from health leaders is that no alcohol during pregnancy is the safest option
North East health leaders are marking the start of FASD Month and International FASD Day on 9 September by raising awareness of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), highlighting the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy and calling for better support for people living with the condition.
FASD is a condition caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy, which can cause lifelong physical and mental health problems. Awareness remains low and many people affected are undiagnosed or face challenges accessing support. Studies suggest FASD affects at least 3.6% of the UK population (1)
The NHS and UK Chief Medical Officers (2) advise that if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all in order to keep risks to the baby to a minimum.
Palma Ryan, a mum of one who lives outside Durham wants to challenge the stigma and judgment attached to FASD as she feels it’s not helpful to mums or children who have the condition. She adopted her son, Harry who was diagnosed with FASD at two years old.
Palma says: “There’s often a delay to children being diagnosed with FASD or accessing the support that they need because people don’t feel they can be honest about drinking in pregnancy for fear of judgment and stigma. This benefits no one and we need to change that.”
Harry, who is a loving and affectionate nine-year old, goes to school but he and his family deal with the challenges of FASD on a daily basis. This includes short-term memory loss, no concept of time, no awareness of danger and difficulty regulating his emotions.
Palma says: “Harry has the physical facial features of FASD including smaller eyes and a flat philtrum so as soon as we met his consultant she suggested he may have the condition.”
Palma and her son Harry
Harry was diagnosed by Dr Sarah Mills, a Paediatric Consultant for Community Child Health and Designated Doctor for Safeguarding at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
She said: “Raising awareness of how Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder affects people of all ages is so important. FASD Month gives us an opportunity to have more conversations about the condition across the North East.
“FASD is a lifelong condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s health, wellbeing and daily life. Life expectancy is just 34 years old. That is a shocking statistic for a preventable condition.
“Despite this, awareness remains low and I know that many families face challenges in getting a diagnosis and accessing the help they need for the child. As awareness grows, I hope more children and families will be able to get the right support at the right time.
“We know we can make a difference if people have a better understanding of the risks of drinking during pregnancy and if women and families receive that compassionate support without judgement.
“By sharing this story, I hope we can encourage families, health leaders and everyone affected by FASD to talk about their experiences, increase understanding of the condition and help drive the changes needed to improve services and support for those who need it.”
Susan Taylor, Head of Alcohol Policy for Fresh and Balance, said: “FASD is preventable, but increasing awareness requires support, understanding and accurate information so that more women and families are informed about this.
“Many women don’t realise they’re pregnant straight away, and it’s natural to feel worried if you’ve had a drink before finding out. The important thing is not to blame yourself. If you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant, stopping drinking now can help reduce any further risk, and your midwife or healthcare team will be able to offer advice and support if you have any concerns.
“FASD Month is an opportunity to talk openly about alcohol and pregnancy, help people understand the risks, and ensure families affected by FASD can get the support they need. Partners, family members and wider support networks also have an important role to play.”
Balance with health leaders across the country are calling for health warning labels on alcoholic products, including clearer warnings about the risks of drinking during pregnancy. Alcohol producers are not required to include such warnings, and pregnancy information that appears on products is often small and inconsistent.
Susan Taylor added: “People have a right to clear information about the health risks linked to alcohol, including the risk of FASD.
“Health warning labels on alcohol products which include the risks of alcohol during pregnancy would be an important step towards helping people make informed choices and improving awareness of a condition that remains poorly understood.”
Dr Helen Howlett, Senior Head of Research and Evaluation at the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), FASD Specialist and Women’s Health Champion, said: “Alcohol in pregnancy can cause lifelong harm, yet this issue does not receive the attention it deserves.
“Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the most common cause of non-genetic learning disability in the UK. It is more prevalent than Autism, yet very few children and young people with FASD are identified, diagnosed, or supported, and many people just aren’t aware of it.
“We need a clear message to help women give their baby the best start in life by avoiding alcohol completely if they are pregnant or about to conceive.”
About FASD Month and Day
- FASD Month runs throughout September and International FASD Day takes place on 9 September, the ninth day of the ninth month, reflecting the nine months of pregnancy when alcohol should be avoided.
- Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong condition caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol.
- Symptoms can include learning difficulties, memory problems, speech and language delays, hyperactivity, impulsivity, behavioural difficulties and physical health problems.
- The NHS advises that not drinking alcohol at all during pregnancy is the safest approach.
- Further information about FASD is available from the National Organisation for FASD and FASD Network UK.
References
1: https://www.ias.org.uk/2024/12/11/an-introduction-to-foetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd/
2: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/alcohol-consumption-advice-on-low-risk-drinking