UK bodies campaign for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder awareness

A number of UK organisations undertook activity to highlight Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) last week as part of a national FASD Awareness Day. FASD is a series of preventable birth defects caused by drinking during pregnancy.

FASD prevalance is largely unknown, but estimates suggest at least 1% of children in Western nations may be born with life long FASD impacts. This equates to at least 6,000 - 7,000 babies born with FASD each year in the UK, according to NOFAS. However a recent poll suggested 1 in 5 women drink when pregnant. 

During national FASD Awareness Day organisations across the globe sought to raise awareness of the condition and warn would be mothers about the potential effects, partly via #FASD Twitter activity. FASD can cover a range of mental and physical disorders - see more on the FASD Trust website.

The North East of England's regional alcohol office Balance called for consistent and clear guidelines; Balance's Mary Edwards, said: “Lots of mums-to-be haven’t heard about FASD and the lifelong disabilities that come with it. It’s vitally important that we raise awareness of the condition and the fact that it is preventable by avoiding alcohol during pregnancy."

Helen Howlett, senior research midwife at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Alcohol is a toxic substance which, if consumed during pregnancy, can freely cross the placenta and can cause FASD, miscarriage, preterm birth, and stillbirth."

The NHS advises women who are pregnant to avoid alcohol, particularly in the first three months because of the increased risk of miscarriage. However some research appears to suggest that very small amounts - one or two units per week - may not harm an unborn child.

Alcohol Concern Wales are holding a conference later this month on alcohol and pregnancy. A review of Government guidance on drinking guidelines is expected this year.

NOFAS run a national FASD helpline on on 020 8458 5951 as do the FASD Trust on 01608 811 599. The FASD Network produced a UK animation about alcohol in pregnancy.