Alcohol in pregnancy can effect brain development in the womb with possible knock-on effects on behaviour, learning, and social skills. Compelling emerging proof shows that no amount of alcohol is good for pregnant women and their babies, according to one of Mayo’s leading childbirth educators.
Frances Burke, who provides advice and support to hundreds of women attending Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar every year, was speaking at Mayo’s first Foetal Alcohol Awareness Day which was held last Friday.
The awareness campaign is an initiative of Western Region Drugs Task Force (WRDTF ), South West Mayo Development Company, Mayo General Hospital, and HSE West Community Partners. It was launched at Mayo General Hospital Foyer by Frances Burke, childbirth educator and member of the FASD (foetal alcohol spectrum disorder ) working group along with Edith Geraghty, director WRDTF.
“We have a much better knowledge now and understand much more about the damaging effects of alcohol on the developing child,” Ms Burke said. “In short, alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix.”
She added: “Alcohol consumption can have a negative effect on the brain development of the baby growing in the womb. This occurs because we know now that alcohol crosses the placenta barrier. This damage can later show up in the form of behavioural, social, learning, and attention difficulties in childhood, adolescence, and throughout adulthood.”
While medical evidence points to a need to cut out alcohol completely in pregnancy, the majority of women in Ireland continue to drink. A study of women attending the Coombe Women’s Hospital (2006 ) found that almost two-thirds (63 per cent ) of those surveyed drank alcohol during their pregnancy. Only 13 per cent stopped drinking completely. This contrasts with the almost 50 per cent who gave up smoking, perhaps perceived by many women as a greater risk to their own health and that of their child’s.
Frances Burke said that women had received mixed messages in the past about safe alcohol levels. She stressed that women who may have had the odd drink when pregnant should not be worried. However the evidence was clear-cut now that alcohol was a no-go area for pregnant women and she urged all women thinking about having a baby or those already pregnant to say no to alcohol to give their child the best start possible.
