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Alcohol Use and Its Impact on Women's Health

There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy

There is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy, and not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. While WIC’s role in preventing substance abuse is limited, staff can play a valuable part in the process by providing information about alcohol's impact on women's health, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and refer participants who use alcohol while pregnant for counseling or treatment. 

Did You Know?

Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading (and preventable) cause of birth defects and neurodevelopmental abnormalities in the United States.

 

Alcohol passes easily from a mother’s bloodstream into the developing baby’s blood. Alcohol present in a developing baby’s bloodstream can interfere with development of the brain and other critical organs, structures, and physiological systems. 

Find more information in this Fetal Alcohol Exposure handout (also available in Spanish). Be sure to check other resources below.

Resources on WIC Works

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