A short video on preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Source: Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau
What is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) refers to a range of preventable birth defects and disorders caused when a developing baby is exposed to alcohol before they are born.
If you're worried about the behaviour and learning of a child who was exposed to alcohol during pregnancy, talk to a health professional.
Don't drink while pregnant
There is no safe time to drink alcohol in pregnancy. There is no safe amount to drink in pregnancy.
Drinking can damage your baby
Drinking alcohol when pregnant can change a baby's physical appearance and damage the brain. There can also be brain damage without any obvious physical changes - this brain damage shows up as learning and behaviour problems that can cause lifelong difficulties. FASD is a lifelong disability.
Where to get help to stop drinking
If you're pregnant or planning to be pregnant and finding it difficult to stop drinking, talk to a health professional, lead maternity carer, or call the Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
FASD in New Zealand
Based on overseas studies and our drinking patterns, Aotearoa New Zealand can expect up to 3,000 pēpi (babies) a year to be born with FASD.
Making informed choices
Barriers to women being able to make well-informed choices around alcohol use during pregnancy include:
- incorrect information
- fear of causing stress
- social pressure to drink
What to do if you're worried about a child
If you're worried about the behaviour and learning of a child who was exposed to alcohol during pregnancy, talk to a health professional.
Information and support to help with stopping drinking
The Health Promotion Agency's alcohol website has advice about not drinking alcohol when hapūtanga (pregnant). It also has resources for health professionals, research, campaign information, and links to further information and support.
FASD-CAN is a New Zealand based, non-profit incorporated society made up of parents, caregivers, extended whānau and professionals. It aims to improve the lives of those living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
The FASD-CAN website has information about getting an FASD diagnosis in Aotearoa New Zealand and a section on caregiver and whānau support.
The Fetal Alcohol Network New Zealand (FANNZ) has further information on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. It also has contact details should you wish to talk to someone about any concerns.
If you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant and having trouble stopping drinking, call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797. See the website for more information on how they can help and what it involves.
Local healthcare professionals
Seek the help of a health professional or lead maternity carer if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant and need some support to stop drinking.
Acknowledgements
The content on this page has been produced in collaboration with the Fetal Alcohol Network NZ.
