The Impact of Alcohol on Unborn Babies
Name: Domenic Morris
Date: February 14,2025
Table of Context
1. Introduction
a. 1.1 Background
b. 1.2 Problem Statement
c. 1.3 Purpose of the Study
d. 1.4 Research Questions
e. 1.5 Importance of the Study
2. What Experts Say
3. How the Study Was Done
a. 3.1 How We Collected Data
b. 3.2 How We Analyzed Data
4. What the Data Shows
5. Understanding the Data
6. Conclusion
7. What Should Be Done (Recommendations)
8. What I Learned (Reflection)
9. Sources (Bibliography)
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are a group of health problems caused when a
baby is exposed to alcohol before birth. This can lead to brain damage, learning difficulties,
and physical problems. About 1 in 20 babies worldwide are affected by FASD (CDC, 2022).
1.2 Problem Statement
Many pregnant women still drink alcohol, even though it can harm their babies. Some may
not know the risks, while others may not have access to the right information. This study
looks at how alcohol affects unborn babies and what can be done to prevent FASD.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
• To find out how alcohol affects unborn babies
• To understand how common FASD is
• To suggest ways to prevent FASD
1.4 Research Questions
1. What problems can alcohol cause in unborn babies?
2. How many babies are affected by FASD?
3. How can we stop FASD from happening?
1.5 Importance of the Study
FASD affects children for life, and it also puts pressure on families, schools, and
healthcare services. If we can spread awareness and prevent FASD, many babies can be
born healthier.
2. What Experts Say
Experts from the CDC and WHO have found that alcohol during pregnancy can damage a
baby's brain, heart, and other organs. Studies show that up to 60 percent of affected
children have developmental delays, and about 30 percent have heart problems (WHO,
2021).
3. How the Study Was Done
3.1 How We Collected Data
We used information from:
• Government health reports (CDC, WHO)
• Studies on FASD from medical journals
• Statistics on babies affected by alcohol exposure
3.2 How We Analyzed Data
The information was examined using percentages and comparisons to understand how
serious the problem is.
4. What the Data Shows
Fact Number Source
Babies affected by FASD worldwide 1 in 20 CDC, 2022
Higher risk of developmental delays 60 percent WHO, 2021
FASD cases linked to heart Medical
30 percent
problems research
U.S. healthcare costs for FASD per 4 billion
CDC, 2022
year dollars
5. Understanding the Data
The data shows that alcohol can seriously harm a baby’s brain and body before birth.
• Brain Development Issues: 60 percent of children with FASD struggle to learn and
develop properly.
• Heart Problems: 30 percent of babies with FASD are born with heart defects.
• Big Costs: In the U.S. alone, 4 billion dollars is spent each year treating FASD-
related conditions.
This proves that FASD is a big problem that needs more attention.
6. Conclusion
Summary of Findings
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy causes serious harm to babies, leading to lifelong
problems. Since FASD is 100 percent preventable, spreading awareness can help protect
unborn babies.
Why This Conclusion Makes Sense
The facts clearly show that alcohol exposure before birth causes serious health problems.
Since many people still drink during pregnancy, more education is needed.
7. What Should Be Done Raising Public Awareness
• Use social media, doctors’ offices, and schools to educate people
• Put warning labels on alcohol bottles about pregnancy risks
Training Doctors and Nurses
• Screen pregnant women for alcohol use and offer support
• Teach medical staff about FASD and how to prevent it
These steps can lower the number of FASD cases and protect babies.
8. What I Learned
Important Lessons
• Even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can harm a baby for life.
• FASD affects not just the baby but also families, schools, and healthcare systems.
How This Affects Me
• I will spread awareness in my school and community about the dangers of alcohol
during pregnancy.
How This Study Can Improve
• Future research should follow children with FASD into adulthood to see the long-
term effects of the disorder.
What Happens if Nothing Changes?
• More kids will struggle in school because of learning disabilities.
• More money will be spent on medical care and special education.
9. Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorders (FASDs): Facts & Statistics. Retrieved from [CDC Website].
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Global Report on Alcohol and Pregnancy.
Retrieved from [WHO Website].
