A pregnancy without alcohol is safest for your baby

The HSE is advising women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy that avoiding alcohol completely is safest for their baby on this Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day.

With Ireland estimated to have the third-highest prevalence of FASD in the world, HSE’s message is that ‘there is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy’.

The HSE is also encouraging partners, family and friends to play their part in supporting alcohol-free pregnancies.

A Lancet Global Health study on estimated alcohol consumption during pregnancy ranked Ireland among the highest globally. In addition, drinking patterns before pregnancy can be a predictor of consumption during pregnancy.

What is FASD

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a group of disorders caused by alcohol exposure in pregnancy, and is associated with a range of lifelong physical, mental, educational, social, and behavioural difficulties. Prenatal alcohol exposure is therefore a leading preventable cause of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Professor Maeve Eogan, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Rotunda Hospital says: “Avoiding alcohol during pregnancy, and when planning a pregnancy, helps protect your baby's development and prevent lifelong challenges associated with alcohol exposure before birth. We know that clear information and support make a difference, which is why partners, families and healthcare professionals all have a role to play in helping women have alcohol-free pregnancies.”

Pregnancy Planning 

An alcohol free lifestyle when planning a pregnancy is the best way to support a healthy pregnancy and give your baby’s development the strongest possible start. If you are planning a pregnancy, the HSE’s advice is to stop drinking alcohol, as both the pregnancy and fetal development can be affected. The risk when planning is that you may not be aware you are pregnant, so the best step is to cut alcohol out completely.

Some tips to support pregnancy without alcohol

• Plan activities that do not include alcohol
• Plan ahead and avoiding triggers (people and places) which encourage drinking alcohol
• Ask partners, friends and family to support you
• Get support from your GP, midwife and obstetrician
• Visit trusted sources of information such as the HSE website

What can partners, family, and friends do to help

• Do not put pressure on someone to drink
• Spend time away from alcohol activities
• Make sure there are drinks without alcohol available
• If you would like more information about having an alcohol-free pregnancy, visit mychild.ie/pregnancyalcohol

Get help or advice

Information and support to help you cut back on alcohol

If you’re concerned about your drinking or need confidential support, contact the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline:

Freephone: 1800 459 459 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)

Email: helpline@hse.ie