BRAIN DEVELOPMENT CAN BE AFFECTED BY ALCOHOL AT ANY … BRAIN DEVELOPMENT CAN BE AFFECTED BY ALCOHOL...

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