International FASD Day 2025

International FASD Day 2025: Raising awareness and supporting recovery

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

In Ireland, September is also FASD Awareness Month, dedicated to shining a light on Foetal 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.
  • Data from the Health Service Executive suggests that between 2.8 % and 7.4 % of the Irish population may have FASD, with some estimates indicating that up to 4.75 % of children could be affected.

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 foetus.  

  • 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, midwives and GPs can provide 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

In some circumstances, alcohol testing can play a critical role in protecting both mother and child from the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy:

  • Safeguarding and child protection: Testing helps professionals make informed decisions in the best interests of the child.
  • Supporting recovery: Testing provides reassurance, accountability, and peace of mind for individuals working towards sobriety.
  • Ongoing monitoring: Options such as breath tests and continuous monitoring devices (SCRAM CAM®) support long-term recovery journeys.

At AlphaBiolabs, we offer a wide range of court-approved alcohol testing services from our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, including blood, hair and nail alcohol testing, plus breath alcohol testing and SCRAM CAM®.

For more information, call 01 402 9466 or email info@alphabiolabs.ie for guidance on the best alcohol test to suit your needs.

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