Supporting healthy, alcohol-free pregnancies on World Health Day

On World Health Day, women and babies across Canada are facing health risks because of government inaction for systemic support for reducing alcohol use during pregnancy.

This year’s theme, Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, highlights the importance of maternal and newborn health. Yet, alcohol use is often left out of the conversation despite its significant impact on the wellbeing of both mothers and babies. 

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities in Canada, impacting an estimated 4% of the population. It is a lifelong disability that impacts the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol during fetal development. FASD can be prevented if women and girls have equal access to the right information, support, and healthcare services.

Understanding alcohol use during pregnancy

In Canada, it is estimated that 10 to 15% of pregnant women use alcohol during pregnancy. This is due to a combination of factors, including unplanned pregnancies, lack of knowledge about the risks, mixed messaging about alcohol use in pregnancy, social pressures, stigma, and broader health and socioeconomic challenges.

Multi-sector action

Canada needs a coordinated, multi-sector approach, such as a National FASD Framework, to tackle the unique complexities of alcohol use in pregnancy. With an election on the horizon, Canada has an opportunity to invest in healthy pregnancies and ensure accessible, non-judgmental healthcare for women who are or have used alcohol during the pregnancy.

Addressing structural barriers

Many women face significant barriers to accessing family doctors, preconception and prenatal care, contraception, and substance use services. Without these supports, they may not receive essential guidance on reducing alcohol use during their childbearing years. 

A National FASD Framework would promote inclusive, evidence-based healthcare practices that reduce stigma and systemic barriers to support.

Combatting misinformation

Access to clear, consistent, and evidence-based information about the risks of alcohol use in pregnancy remains inadequate. Conflicting messages about safe alcohol consumption levels contribute to confusion around what is “safe”, when the reality is that there is no known safe amount of alcohol to consume at any time during pregnancy.

A National Framework could spearhead a nationwide awareness campaign and training for medical practitioners to ensure that accurate information on alcohol use in pregnancy is widely available.

The impact of stress

Gendered stressors – such as childhood trauma, gender-based violence, mental health struggles, and coercive control in relationships – significantly contribute to alcohol use and dependency. Addressing these underlying factors is crucial to supporting women’s health and alcohol-free pregnancies. 

A National FASD Framework would facilitate collaboration between healthcare, social services, and community organizations to tackle these complex influences.

A National FASD Framework: a path forward

A National FASD Framework would ensure that critically needed multilevel supports are available for pregnant women, diverse pregnant people and new mothers and their children, so that the prevention of alcohol use is effective and respectful. It would also ensure individuals with FASD and their families have the supports they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives as productive members of society.

In this time when women’s rights are under threat, the health and wellbeing of Canadians, especially women and children, must be at the forefront this election. By investing in FASD awareness, prevention, intervention, and supports and ensuring accessible, supportive healthcare for women, Canada can take meaningful action to have alcohol free pregnancies and build healthier, more hopeful futures for all women and children.