Pregnant women urged not to drink alcohol over Christmas over health risks to children
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Pregnant women are being urged not to put their children’s health at risk by drinking alcohol during the Christmas season.
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder is a preventable neuro-disability, according to Clare-based FASD Ireland.
The organisation supports people suffering with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which it says is Ireland’s “silent epidemic”.
According to the latest figures from the World Health Organization, it is estimated about 600 babies are born each year in Ireland with the syndrome. Ireland ranks third out of 187 countries for prevalence of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, behind South Africa and Croatia.
It is also estimated up to 40,000 people with the disorder are currently living in Ireland.
Among the indicators of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder are ADHD, low body weight, poor co-ordination, poor memory, attention difficulties, difficulties in school (particularly around maths), and learning disabilities.
FASD Ireland chief executive Tristan Casson-Rennie said: “Ireland has an alarmingly high prevalence of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder. In the past, it would have been considered acceptable to drink a glass of stout or a brandy — it would even have been deemed safe for mum and baby.
“It is important that everyone knows about the risks associated with just one alcoholic drink if they are planning to have a baby. Alcohol and pregnancy never go together.”
Earlier this year, Dr Mary O’Mahony, HSE Cork and Kerry, told the Irish Medical Organisation’s annual general meeting evidence indicates that during 2021, some 526 babies born in Ireland were clearly affected by foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.