We’ve carefully selected these blogs because they are actively working to educate, inspire, and empower their readers with frequent updates and high-quality information. If you would like to tell us about a blog, nominate them by emailing us atbestblogs@healthline.com!
Healthy habits are something most of us strive for throughout our lives. But during pregnancy, they become especially important. A mother is connected to her baby via the placenta and umbilical cord. Because of this, virtually everything that goes into mom’s body is shared with her growing fetus. Alcohol and illegal drugs are particularly dangerous for a developing baby. Any amount of these substances is considered unsafe during pregnancy. Women are advised to avoid them altogether while pregnant.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) affect children whose mothers do drink alcohol during their pregnancy. Children born with these conditions can face a lifetime of challenges. There are several different types of FASDs, including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS can cause growth problems, central nervous system issues, and abnormal facial features. Learning can be difficult for a child with FAS, and they may have a hard time getting along with other people. Other FASDs include alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, alcohol-related birth defects, and partial fetal alcohol syndrome. While the exact number of people with FASDs is unknown, estimates range from
If you know someone who is living with one of these disorders, the following FASD blogs are designed to help. They offer truly valuable information as well as support, resources, and tips on how to help and nurture those who are affected.
Provincial Outreach Program for FASD (POPFASD) helps teachers, educators, and parents support children and students living with FASD. The information-rich site offers everything from planning tools and visuals aids to training videos and first-person narratives. Educators can find out more about how to meet the needs of students with FASD, while parents can discover more effective ways to care for and support their child at home. POPFASD has existed for more than a decade.
Lauri Beekmann is the force behind this weekly newsletter rounding up all the essential alcohol-related health news. There is a large focus on international medical research and studies on FASDs. Alcohol News is a strong resource for staying updated on the latest developments and findings, learning more about FASD awareness for women of child-bearing age, and tapping into a sizeable library of relevant videos.
This community-focused site is backed by Canada’s Network Action Team on FASD Prevention from a Women’s Health Determinants Perspective. This national network of researchers, health service providers, policy advisors, and outreach partners is working on FASD prevention. “We seek to build a strong knowledge base related to FASD prevention through work with women and their support systems on a range of health and social issues,” they write. The blog features news from organizations around the world, tips on how to avoid drinking during pregnancy, and a handy “Alcohol and Pregnancy” infographic that delivers user-friendly facts and statistics.
This site promotes a candid conversation about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. It also goes well beyond that, looking into lifelong addiction patterns, what causes some women to drink while pregnant, and preconception alcohol use. The well-designed and easy-to-navigate blog is dedicated to making sure communities — and women — are aware of the risks of FASDs and unhealthy choices. Features include articles on binge drinking, low-risk alcohol drinking guidelines, and resources for expectant mothers.
This inspirational blog was started in 2015 by the parents of an adopted son (now age 12) living with fetal alcohol syndrome. The couple also has a 14-year-old biological son. They created this heartfelt forum about a year after their younger child was diagnosed with neurological damage related to FAS. “This condition is severe and lifelong,” his parents write. The blog also addresses damage that FASDs can do to the spine and bones. Learning with Hope’s honest approach, personal perspectives, and profiles on adult FASD role models, make it a standout.
