ALCOHOL AND PREGNANCY DON’T MIXBRAIN DEVELOPMENT CAN BE AFFECTED BY ALCOHOL AT ANY TIME DURING PREGNANCY
Teratogens are substances that can cause abnormal fetal development.
Alcohol is a powerful teratogen that targets the brain.
The disabilities caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy are called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and last a lifetime.
For more information, please visit www.cdc.gov/fasdSupported through the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCooperative Agreements 1U01DD001143, 1U01DD001144, and 1U84DD001135
WEEKS 1-2
LAST MENSTRUAL PERIOD TO
CONCEPTION
PERIOD OFTHE OVUM PERIOD OF THE EMBRYO PERIOD OF THE FETUS
3-4 11-14 18 22-38 40
Menses, development of ovum, preparation of uterine lining for fertilized ovum
Period of early embryo development and implantation
MAJOR FUNCTIONAL and MINOR STRUCTURAL defects can occur.
MAJOR STRUCTURAL defects can occur.
*Adapted from Moore, 1993 and the National Organization of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS), 2009.
PREGNANCY LOSS
HEART
ARMS / LEGS
EARS
EYES
TEETH
PALATE
GENITALS
BRAIN / SPINAL CORD (CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM)
TYPICALLY WHEN A WOMAN LEARNS SHE IS PREGNANT.5 6 7 8 9 10