Mums-to-be ‘confused over safe level of alcohol’
MANY women are still unaware that there is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, neonatal experts say.
Scotland has led the way in promoting a ‘no alcohol no risk message to mums-to-be, which was later adopted by the rest of the UK.
However, NHS Lanarkshire say there is still a need for greater awareness and understanding about the risks of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, which affects around 50-60 babies every year in the area.
Pre-natal drinking is associated with a range of problems i n babies including behavioural and learning difficulties, problems with vital organs and hearing and sight issues.
In March 2016, 89% of women questioned in Lanarkshire said they had not touched alcohol during pregnancy. The figure for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was slightly worse at, 80.3%.
The highest number of women who admitted drinking alcohol during their pregnancy was in Ayrshire, with only 67% of those questioned saying they abstained.
Forth Valley recorded the highest number of women staying completely alcohol free during their pregnan- cy at 98.4%.
Ashley Goodfellow, Public Health Specialist, said: “Women do not drink to intentionally harm their baby.
“There are a number of reasons why women might drink alcohol while they are pregnant or they might not even know they are pregnant.
“If you want to be sure that your baby will not be born with alcohol related brain damage, the message is clear - avoid alcohol for the duration of your pregnancy and when planning to conceive.
“There is no proven safe level for alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
“The only risk-free approach is to avoid alcohol completely.”
NHS Lanarkshire will promoting the message on Saturday, which has been designated Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness day.
Jill Madden, FASD Programme Manager, said: “We need to increase awareness and understanding of this issue.
“Everyone can play a helpful role in raising awareness and preventing fetal alcohol harm.
“It is vital that we reach prospective mothers and their partners with factual information and support.”