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