Fetal alcohol syndrome

 

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that describes the range of effects of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, of which Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is included.  It is a preventable condition.

 

Over the last few years, we have developed and distributed resources to more than 3,500 health professionals to support their knowledge and advice to pregnant women and women of child-bearing age about alcohol use during pregnancy.  We are currently analysing evaluation questionnaires and comparing them with data collected before the resources were available.  The project has demonstrated the importance of sustaining the resources beyond the term of the project and making them available to health professionals throughout Australia.

 

We have also looked at the consequences of heavy and binge drinking in pregnancy with a study investigating the relationship between prenatal exposure to alcohol and the effects on fetal growth and preterm birth.  A survey of a random sample of 4719 women, who gave birth in WA between 1995 and 1997, collected information such as how often they drank alcohol, the amount of alcohol consumed in each occasion and the types of alcoholic beverage consumed.  Results show that pregnant women who drink more than one to two standard drinks per occasion and more than six standard drinks per week increase their risk of having a premature baby, even if they stop drinking before the second trimester.  The risk of preterm birth is highest for pregnant women who drink heavily or at binge levels, drinking more than seven standard drinks per week, or more than five drinks on any one occasion.