FASD - SEAlberta

Caregiver Support
Child, Youth & Adult Programs
Pregnancy Support

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

Join SEAFAN For Our Quarterly Meeting - https://t.co/ZJDyymTi1P

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

Women who struggle with alcohol addiction may continue to drink alcohol during pregnancy.⁠
⁠In some cases, pregnancy can be an opportunity to address addiction, but in other cases, harm reduction approaches should be considered until she is ready to address her addiction. ⁠

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

Women may use alcohol to cope with difficult life situations such as violence, depression, poverty or isolation.⁠
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Many women can find it difficult to stop drinking when their life circumstances remain challenging during pregnancy.

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

Women may drink during pregnancy because they underestimate the harms that alcohol consumption can cause. There's also a chance that they may know other women who drank during pregnancy and their children appear healthy.⁠

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

When alcohol use is the norm in a women's social group, abstaining may be difficult, even when pregnant. ⁠
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For some women, it can be hard to abstain when it's expected that they drink, especially if people don't yet know they are pregnant.
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[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

Women may drink during pregnancy when they are unaware of the extent of damage that alcohol can cause the fetus.⁠
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While FASD is the leading known cause of developmental disability, the range of harms of alcohol during pregnancy is still debated.

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

One reason is that women are often unaware that they are even pregnant! ⁠
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Did you know that approximately 50% of pregnancies are unplanned? Most women will stop drinking when they learn they are pregnant.

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

We're here to help, with no-shame support services for women who struggle with abstaining from drinking while pregnant.⁠ https://t.co/XR0XcsfDzZ

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

Enjoy a fruity treat with a Peachy Paradise Mocktail!⁠
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Credit: https://t.co/z8ijwGkZTu

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

In Canada, partner violence during pregnancy is common. Alcohol and other substance use is one way that many women cope with violence and abuse; and many women who have a difficult time stopping their alcohol use during pregnancy have past or current experience of trauma.⁠

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

Exceeding the recommended amounts can potentially lead to a wide range of short- & long-term health and social problems, including alcohol dependence.⁠
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A woman is the decision-maker of her own health, and these guidelines are meant to help make positive & healthy choices. ⁠

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

To help reduce the risk of FASD, it is important to make expectant mothers feel supported - through conversation, reaching out, and connecting them to support programs. ⁠

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

For those hot summer days, pour a nice glass of Cravin' Watermelon Cooler Mocktail!⁠
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Credit: https://t.co/LfeoTQHxU8⁠
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[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

Many women with addictions are able to stop or significantly reduce their alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Early support is a key component in successful outcomes.⁠

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

Use some of those fresh herbs from your garden with this sweet Blueberry Mojito Mocktail!⁠
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Credit: https://t.co/RK5f1GEHvQ⁠
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[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

For expectant mothers participating in a #drynine, happy #DryJuly! This month we'll be sharing super sweet summery mocktails, as well as some helpful tips to avoid drinking while pregnant. ⁠
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Happy July!⁠

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

FASD is a lifelong disorder. There is no cure, but early and appropriate supports can make a positive impact and improve outcomes for individuals with FASD.⁠

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

Alcohol exposure during pregnancy results in changes to a baby's developing brain. Although in a very small percentage of people the face may look different, the important fact is that in all individuals with FASD, the function of the brain is permanently affected.⁠

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

SMALL STEPS MATTER.⁠
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At any time during pregnancy, alcohol can have serious and permanent affects. It's never too late to reduce the risk of FASD. So what can be done? Stop, try to stop, or seek support if you can't do it alone.⁠

[FASD - SEAlberta @FASD_SEAFAN]

Preventative measures surrounding stay at home orders can be overwhelming, stressful, and anxiety-inducing for individuals with FASD and their families. No matter how overwhelming it may feel, remember that you are never alone.⁠