International FASD Day 2025: Raising awareness and supporting recovery

Each year on the 9th day of the 9th month, the world recognizes International FASD Day – a powerful reminder of the importance of going alcohol-free for the nine months of pregnancy.

In the US, September is also FASD Awareness Month, dedicated to shining a light on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and celebrating the resilience of people living with the condition.

Here, we take a closer look at FASD, what it is, and how it can be prevented.

What is FASD?

FASD is a group of lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions caused by alcohol exposure before birth.

• Alcohol can disrupt the baby’s brain and body development in the womb.
• More than 400 co-occurring conditions can be linked with FASD, affecting the central nervous system, vision, hearing, digestion, and more.
• Research suggests that between 1.1% and 5% of children may have FASD, with some community-based studies indicating prevalence rates as high as 9-10%.

International FASD Day aims to break the stigma and ensure families living with FASD get the care and recognition they deserve.

Preventing FASD – knowledge is key

FASD prevention starts with understanding.

For expectant mothers, this means having access to information about the risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant, and the impact this can have on the developing fetus.

• No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
• Pregnant women are advised to avoid alcohol completely for all nine months.
• If stopping drinking feels difficult, pregnant women can speak to their obstetrician, family doctor or other prenatal care provider for guidance and access to specialist support services.

There are also a wide range of resources available online which can make a significant difference in helping women make healthy choices for themselves and their babies.

Accredited alcohol testing you can trust

While FASD is entirely preventable, we understand that stopping drinking can feel challenging. In these circumstances, alcohol testing can be a valuable tool for individuals and families:

• Supporting recovery: Regular testing offers reassurance, accountability, and peace of mind for those working towards sobriety.
• Family wellbeing: Results can open the door to supportive conversations within families, strengthening trust and shared goals for healthier outcomes.

At AlphaBiolabs, we provide an easy-to-use Home Drug & Alcohol Nail Test.

This discreet, at-home test works by analyzing fingernail clippings or toenail clippings for the presence of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) – a metabolite (breakdown product) of alcohol.

The test can show abstinence during an approximate six-month (fingernail clippings) or 12-month (toenail clippings) period, by identifying whether EtG is present in the sample.

The results of this test are not admissible in court, but they can be a helpful step in making positive lifestyle changes.

Order your test online now or contact us on 727-325-2902 / info@alphabiolabsusa.com for more information.

You can also learn more about alcohol testing by visiting our Learning Center.