Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and can include lifelong behavioral, physical, and learning issues. FASDs are preventable if there is no prenatal alcohol exposure.
Below is a list of resources and research that can help provide education to promote alcohol- and substance-free pregnancies and support for individuals, families, and communities impacted by FASDs.
While efforts are made to maintain a current and accurate list of resources, this list is not comprehensive and websites/information change frequently. Information linked may not be current and inclusion on this list should not be seen as an endorsement or reflection of the official views of CDC/HHS.
Table of Contents
FASD Resources
- The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has many resources regarding alcohol and other substance use, pregnancy, and FASDs.
- FASD United is “the national voice on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders” (formerly NOFAS) and includes resources, guidance, support, and education on FASDs:
- The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides education and recommendations for Ob/Gyns:
- The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) has information, education, podcast episodes, and tools for professionals, including guidance around screening, assessment, and diagnosis:
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)’s mission is to lead the nation’s research efforts on alcohol use disorders. Their website offers recent research, education, and resources for healthcare professionals and the general public.
- Alcohol and Your Pregnancy guide
- Alcohol and Your Pregnancy guide (American Indian version)
- Indiana Alliance is an affiliate of FASD United and has information about specific FASD topics for the community, professionals, and parents:
- Proof Alliance has information on FASDs, including fact sheets and support groups, as well as resources specific to Minnesota.
- NCFASD Informed provides education to families and professionals about the impact of FASDs and specific resources for those in North Carolina.
- Proof Alliance NC provides education and resources for people in North Carolina.
- FASD Network of Southern California offers resources for caregivers and information for people impacted by FASDs.
- SAMHSA’s TIP 58 is a guide about interventions for pregnant people with substance use disorders, identifying people with FASDs, and treatment options.
State-Specific Resources from AAP
Research/Articles
- CDC: Articles on FASDs
- NIAAA: Research
- The Postpartum Period: An Opportunity for Alcohol Screening and Counseling to Reduce Adverse Health Impacts
- Marijuana Use in Early Pregnancy Could Raise Risks to the Placenta
- Association of Mental Health Burden with Prenatal Cannabis Exposure from Childhood to Early Adolescence
- Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Associated with Mental Disorders in Children that Persist into Early Adolescence\
- Association of Mandatory Warning Signs for Cannabis Use During Pregnancy With Cannabis Use Beliefs and Behaviors
- Systematic Review: Polysubstance Prevalence Estimates Reported during Pregnancy, US, 2009-2020
- Long-term effects of prenatal cannabis exposure: Pathways to adolescent and adult outcomes
Additional Resources
Alcohol
CDC
- Alcohol and Public Health
- Deaths from Excessive Alcohol Use — United States, 2016–2021
- Main Alcohol portal
- Preventing Excessive Alcohol Use
NIAAA
- Alcohol’s Effects on Health
- Healthcare Professionals and Communities
- Alcohol Interventions for Young Adults for Healthcare Professionals
- Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help
- Rethinking Drinking
- Pienselo Antes de Beber: El Alcohol y su Salud (Spanish)
- Alcohol Treatment Navigator
- Thinking About Drinking Alcohol? 3 Things You Need to Know First | AAP (VIDEO)
- Alcohol Screening During COVID-19 Surges in an Urban Health System in the US
- Alcohol and You: An Interactive Body
Pregnancy and Alcohol
Pregnancy and Other Substances
- Cannabis Use During Pregnancy: What Professionals Working with Pregnant People Need To Know
- Prescription Opioids During Pregnancy
- Marijuana and Pregnancy
- Marihuana y embarazo (Spanish)
- Tobacco and Pregnancy
- Tabaco y embarazo (Spanish)
- Opioid Use Disorder and Pregnancy
- Trastorno por consume de opiaceos y embarazo (Spanish)
- Fentanyl and Pregnancy
Additional Resources:
Training
- CDC has resources for healthcare providers, training and awareness resources, and programs to help women and families: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/features/resources-for-prevention-and-care.html