Alcohol & the Developing Brain: What You Need to Know

Apr 7

Written By Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society

When it comes to alcohol, one thing is clear: it affects every body differently. For some, a single glass may feel like no big deal. For others, it can have a deeper, more lasting impact—especially when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and we’re inviting you to take a closer look at how alcohol impacts not just adults, but developing brains—from the womb onward.

The Developing Brain: Why It’s So Vulnerable

The brain is one of the first organs to start developing during pregnancy, and it continues to grow and change throughout childhood, adolescence, and even into our 20s. It’s an incredibly complex system that relies on precise timing, chemistry, and connections.

When alcohol enters the picture during pregnancy, it can disrupt these delicate processes.

Even small amounts of alcohol can interfere with how a baby’s brain forms, potentially leading to lifelong challenges in areas like:

Memory and learning
Emotional regulation
Impulse control
Attention and focus
Communication and social skills

This range of outcomes is part of what’s known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)—a brain-based, invisible disability.

But I Only Had One Drink…

We get it. Many people don’t realize they’re pregnant right away, and drinking is often part of social life, celebration, or even self-care. But here's the key: there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.

That doesn’t mean you’re being judged. It just means we have information now that empowers us to make safer choices—for ourselves and for future generations.

Knowledge Is Power. Compassion Is Everything.

Talking about alcohol and pregnancy can feel heavy—but it’s not about guilt. It’s about awareness. And support. And community.

At Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society, we believe in sharing information with kindness, offering support without judgment, and helping people make the choices that are right for them.