International FASD Day 2026: Raising awareness and supporting recovery

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

In Ireland, September is also FASD Awareness Month, a dedicated period for shining a light on FASD and recognising 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 safeguarding and supporting recovery.

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 behaviour.

Recent research highlights just how significant this issue is:

FASD Ireland estimates that approximately 240,000 people across Ireland are living with FASD, giving Ireland the third-highest prevalence of FASD in the world, after only South Africa and Croatia
It’s estimated that 1 in 10 babies born in Ireland today have some form of FASD, while approximately 600 babies are born annually with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), the most severe form of the condition
Despite this, FASD is widely believed to be underdiagnosed, with many cases going unrecognised 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.

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.

The message from health authorities 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 realise they are pregnant
Public health guidance from the HSE is that the safest approach is to avoid alcohol completely for all nine months of pregnancy, and when trying to conceive

This message has been reinforced by the HSE’s 2026 campaign Planning or Pregnant? In all the noise, the truth is clear, delivered in partnership with the Irish Pharmacy Union across almost 1,900 community pharmacies nationwide.

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. Midwives and GPs 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.

Peace of mind alcohol testing: Where a partner or family member is concerned about a pregnant woman’s alcohol use, 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 home drug and alcohol tests that are ideal for use during pregnancy, including our Home Drug & Alcohol Nail Test. Please note that the results of these tests are for personal use only and cannot be used for court or other official matters.
Legal and official alcohol testing: Where there is a genuine concern for the welfare of an unborn child, alcohol testing can be arranged either with the mother’s consent or, where necessary, via a court order, providing objective evidence to support family law professionals and Tusla social workers with safeguarding decisions.

We offer a comprehensive range of court-approved alcohol testing services from our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, including PEth alcohol testing, the only form of blood alcohol testing that is recommended during pregnancy, hair alcohol testing and nail alcohol testing, as well as breath alcohol testing and the SCRAM CAM® bracelet for ongoing monitoring.

For more information or advice on choosing the right alcohol test for your circumstances, contact our friendly, knowledgeable Customer Services team on 01 402 9466 or email info@alphabiolabs.ie.

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