High levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy result
in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). There are various components including growth
restriction, intellectual impairment, facial anomalies and behavioural
problems.
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| ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION DURING PREGNANCY |
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, such as beer, wine, or
mixed drinks, so does her baby. Alcohol passes through the placenta right into
the developing baby. The baby may suffer lifelong damage as a result.
Babies with FASD can have brain damage, facial deformities,
and growth deficits. Heart, liver, and kidney defects also are common, as well
as vision and hearing problems. Individuals with FASD have difficulties with
learning, attention, memory, and problem solving.
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| Babies with FASD |
Advise women planning a pregnancy to avoid alcohol
completely during the first trimester, as there appears to be a small increased
risk of miscarriage associated with drinking alcohol.
There is no clear safe level of consumption but if women
choose to drink alcohol during pregnancy, particularly after the first
trimester, they should be advised to drink no more than 1-2 units, no more than
twice a week. At this low level there is no evidence of harm to the unborn
baby.
Advise to avoid becoming drunk and binge drinking.
Where a woman is unable to reduce her alcohol consumption
with support in primary care, offer specialist referral.
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| LEAVE ALCOHOL AND GET HAPPY PREGNANCY |
