No alcohol during pregnancy says ALAC

The Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) is warning pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy to avoid all alcohol.


Speaking on International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day (FASD) (September 9), ALAC Deputy Chief Executive Sandra Kirby says alcohol is one drink the developing fetus does not need. FASD day is held on the ninth day of the ninth month every year. This is the ninth year it has been held.


``Drinking at any time during pregnancy may effect the normal development of the baby. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or in a situation where you could become pregnant, don’t drink alcohol.


``Drinking alcohol during pregnancy exposes the unborn child to the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) which can result in a variety of disorders ranging from central nervous problems, low birth weight, abnormal facial features, mental retardation and behavioural and learning problems throughout their life.’’


Ms Kirby says recent research commissioned by ALAC showed that many women still believed a small amount of alcohol would not hurt the fetus. The research found only 40 percent believed women should abstain altogether from drinking during pregnancy. Half of the women surveyed said one drink or less was safe to be consumed on a typical drinking occasion in pregnancy.


``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. Unfortunately, medical advice on drinking during pregnancy is variable.’’


Ma Kirby says increasing numbers of young women binge drink which is increasing the risk of more FASD affected children.


Ms Kirby says ALAC welcomes the recent Ministry of Health guidelines on alcohol and pregnancy. Previous guidelines said alcohol was not recommended during pregnancy while the new guidelines recommend total abstinence from alcohol by pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy.


``I am pleased there is now a clear recommendation to all medical practitioners and hopeful that the sometimes conflicting advice given to women will stop,’’ she says.


ALAC is also managing an application for the labeling of alcohol beverages with a health advisory notice advising of the dangers of drinking while pregnant. However, without support from the medical profession it is unlikely that labels will achieve a behaviour change in women, she says. ``A clear message must come from the medical profession on the dangers of drinking while pregnant.’’