International FASD day

The Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) is reminding pregnant women and those women planning to become pregnant to avoid all alcohol. The advice comes on the eve of World Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASDFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Consuming alcohol while pregnant may cause significant abnormalities in the unborn, developing baby (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder). Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, who were exposed to alcohol while in the womb, can have a range of problems including poor growth/small size, facial abnormalities, heart defects, brain damage, developmental delay and social, emotional, behavioural and mental deficits.) awareness day (9 September).

“Drinking at any time during pregnancy may affect the normal development of the fetus,” says ALAC Early Intervention Manager Sue Paton. “If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, the best advice is to avoid alcohol. 

“Many women believe one or two drinks occasionally couldn’t possibly hurt the unborn baby but in fact there is no known safe level of consumption of alcohol for pregnant women,” she said.

“Even small amounts of alcohol consumed at any time during pregnancy can cause harm to the baby including developmental delay, physical, emotional and behavioural problems and learning disabilities. The consequences of FASD (the term used to describe the range of effects) are life-long for the child and their family,” she said.

Ms Paton said ALAC had recently revised its Drinking and your baby pamphlet which provides advice on why it’s important not to drink alcohol while pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

“For pregnant women who are struggling to stop drinking, the pamphlet suggests they contact their doctor or midwife or call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797 for advice and support.

“Partners and other family members can also have a really important role in supporting pregnant women to give up drinking during pregnancy,” said Ms Paton.

The resource is available in English, Māori, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Tokelauan, Cook Island Māori and Niuean and can be ordered by free phone 0508 258 258 or click here. 

For further information or comment contact ALAC Communications Manager Lynne Walsh on 021 369 081.