International FASD Day 2026: Raising awareness and supporting recovery

Each year on the 9th day of the 9th month, the world marks International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day, a date chosen deliberately to symbolize the importance of remaining alcohol-free throughout all nine months of pregnancy.

In the US, September is also FASD Awareness Month, a dedicated period for shining a light on FASD and recognizing the resilience of the individuals and families living with the condition every day.

Despite growing awareness, FASD remains widely misunderstood, and many cases continue to go undiagnosed. International FASD Day plays a vital role in changing that, encouraging open conversations about alcohol in pregnancy and the lifelong impact it can have on a child’s development.

Here, we take a closer look at what FASD is, how it can be prevented, and the role alcohol testing can play in providing peace of mind.

What is FASD?

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

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it passes freely through the placenta to the baby. Because a baby’s liver is not yet developed enough to process alcohol effectively, it can disrupt the delicate development of the brain and body in the womb, sometimes with lifelong consequences.

FASD is an umbrella term, and its effects can vary widely from person to person. More than 400 co-occurring conditions have been linked with FASD, potentially affecting the central nervous system, vision, hearing, digestion, growth, and behavior.

Recent research highlights just how significant this issue is:

• The CDC estimates that up to 1 in 20 US school-aged children may have a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a rate higher than that of autism
• A large NIH-funded study of over 6,000 first-graders across four US communities found FASD prevalence rates ranging from 1.1% to 5%, and as high as 9.8% in some communities
• Despite this, FASD is widely believed to be underdiagnosed, with many cases going unrecognized or misdiagnosed as other conditions, such as ADHD or autism

International FASD Day plays an important role in breaking down the stigma surrounding FASD, helping to ensure that individuals and families living with the condition receive the recognition, understanding and support they deserve.

Related: COA Awareness Week 2026 – supporting children affected by parental alcohol misuse

Preventing FASD

Unlike many health conditions, FASD is entirely preventable, and prevention starts with clear, consistent knowledge.

For expectant mothers, this means having access to accurate information about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and understanding the impact this can have on a developing baby.

Public health guidance in the US is clear and consistent:

• No amount of alcohol is known to be safe during pregnancy
• There is no safe time to drink during pregnancy. Alcohol can affect the baby’s development at any stage, including before some women realize they are pregnant
• Major US health organizations including the CDC, US Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), agree that complete avoidance of alcohol is safest for all nine months of pregnancy, and when trying to conceive

For many women, stopping drinking during pregnancy is straightforward. But for others, particularly those who may already be experiencing difficulties with alcohol, this can feel more challenging.

If stopping drinking feels difficult, it’s important to know that support is available, and reaching out is nothing to feel ashamed of. Your physician can offer guidance, reassurance, and access to specialist support services designed to help.

There are also a wide range of resources available online, offering practical advice to help expectant mothers make informed, healthy choices for themselves and their babies.

Accredited alcohol testing you can trust

While prevention through education and support remains the most important tool in reducing the risk of FASD, alcohol testing can also play a role, particularly where there are concerns about a mother’s alcohol use during pregnancy and the potential risk of FASD to her unborn baby.

If you’re a partner or family member concerned about a pregnant woman’s alcohol use, alcohol testing can provide reassurance or open the door to supportive conversations, rather than confrontation or assumption.

At AlphaBiolabs, we offer a convenient range of easy-to-use, peace of mind home drug and alcohol tests that are ideal for use during pregnancy, including our Home Drug & Alcohol Nail Test.

Please note that these tests are for your personal knowledge only and cannot be used in court or for legal purposes.

For more information or advice on choosing the right test for your circumstances, contact our friendly, knowledgeable Customer Services team on 727-325-2902 or email info@alphabiolabsusa.com.