Tobacco and Other Drugs
The use of tobacco and other drugs can lead to many health concerns, particularly if the person using the substance is pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Cannabis and Pregnancy
Cannabis is also known as weed, marijuana, hashish, hash, and pot. There is no amount of cannabis that is known to be safe during pregnancy. For a woman who is pregnant, or who might become pregnant, researchers and doctors recommend that not using cannabis is the safest choice.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a condition whereby infants, who are exposed to particular substances in the womb, experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms shortly after they are born. These symptoms can include decreased sleep, tremors, high-pitched crying, watery stools, increased breathing rate, and more. Both medical and non-medical treatments can be used to reduce the severity of these symptoms.
Smoking and Tobacco
Tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke can lead to many health concerns.
Substance Use and Pregnancy
Pregnant women may use substances (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, other drugs) during pregnancy for many different reasons. Substance use during pregnancy can result in a variety of effects on the mother’s health and on the health of her baby, both during and after pregnancy. The types of effects experienced by the mother and baby depend on many factors, including the type of substance(s) used and how much/how often they are used. Healthcare providers can assist women to find the resources they need to stop or reduce their substance use to improve their own health and the health of their babies.
Alcohol Resources
Booklets
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FASD Awareness Day Package
Booklet, Revised 2024
This package includes background information on FASD Awareness Day with a focus on our Be the Village campaign messaging. It also provides suggestions and considerations for planning activities for FASD Awareness Day.
SKU: 3-127
Brochures
Fact Sheets
Guides and Manuals
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Learning about FASD – Modules
Guide and Manual, Revised 2020
The Learning about FASD Modules were developed for use by post-secondary instructors, professors, and anyone wishing to learn more about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Each module has been updated to reflect the most current research. Here you will find modules (with references) as they are brought up-to-date.
The modules can be used in professional programs where students, upon graduation, may work with women of childbearing age. The programs may include health care, education, justice, addictions, psychology, social work, and other community service programs.
Click the Download File button below to get all the modules or click just the modules that you want from the following links:
- Module 2: Overview of FASD
- Module 3: Fetal Development
- Module 4: Brain Anatomy, Development, and Function
- Module 5: Role and Impact of Alcohol
- Module 6: Prevention of FASD
- Module 7: Referral and Diagnosis of FASD
- Module 8: Young Children with FASD
- Module 9: Adverse Impacts
- Module 10: Trauma Informed Care
SKU: 3-146
Infographics
Information Cards
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Screening for Alcohol Use
Information Card, Reviewed 2025
This screening tool has been adapted with permission from Best Start Resource Centre (Ontario). This tool helps health professionals screen for the level of alcohol risk in women of childbearing age. Research has shown that this screening tool has a higher sensitivity level for use with women than other screening tools.
Audience: Healthcare ProfessionalsSKU: 3-140 -
This Is Why I Supported Her Not to Drink
Information Card, 2018
This information card is aimed at fathers and fathers-to-be, suggesting they support their partners to avoid alcohol during pregnancy in order to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. On the back of the card is information about how alcohol impacts the fetus and suggestions on how to provide support. There is a link to a website for more information.
SKU: 3-061 -
What Have You Heard about Pregnancy and Alcohol?
Information Card, Revised 2021
This information card is written in plain language, for people who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. It explains how drinking alcohol can affect a developing baby and cause a lifelong disability.
SKU: 3-126
Magazines
Posters
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This Is Why I Supported Her Not to Drink
Poster, 2018
This poster is aimed at fathers and fathers-to-be, suggesting they support their partners to avoid alcohol during pregnancy in order to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
SKU: 3-060 -
This is Why Poster – (Cree Translation)
Poster, 2019
This 11” x 17” poster, translated to Plains Cree, is aimed at fathers and fathers-to-be, suggesting they support their partners to avoid alcohol during pregnancy in order to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
SKU: 3-062 -
This is Why Poster – (Dene Translation)
Poster, 2019
This 11” x 17” poster, translated to Dene ‘t’ dialect, is aimed at fathers and fathers-to-be, suggesting they support their partners to avoid alcohol during pregnancy in order to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
SKU: 3-063
Videos
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Be the Village Poster (Cree)
Poster, 2024
This poster translated to Plains Cree, highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in supporting healthy pregnancies and preventing FASD
SKU: 3-113 -
FASD: Let’s Talk About It
Video, 2018
This DVD contains 12 short videos with Myles Himmelreich. These videos may be used for viewing or in presentations. Topics include:
- What is FASD?
- FASD: A message for future parents
- Diagnosis: The start to a better understanding of FASD
- FASD: Doctors play an important role
- FASD: Prevention, awareness, support, and understanding
- FASD: Let’s move from shame and blame, to support and care
- FASD: Living with a brain and body disability
- FASD: No on/off switch
- FASD: Living with sensory issues and challenges
- FASD: Let’s support mothers and children
- FASD: I struggle but I also succeed
- FASD: Physical challenges
SKU: 3-049