2 September 2019

Chester Penaflor reminds pregnant women, their whānau and support network that drinking while hapu contributes to life-long problems for tamariki.

The month of September is a reminder to pregnant women, their whānau and support network that drinking while hapu contributes to life-long problems for tamariki. Drinking while pregnant also increases the chance of premature birth, or losing your baby through miscarriage or stillbirth.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day is held internationally on 9 September to remind people about the damage drinking while pregnant can cause. 

“During September we take the opportunity to kōrero and educate family and friends about the importance of abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy,” says Whanganui District Health Board heath promoter Chester Penaflor.

“Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder can last a lifetime and there is no cure. Problems can include behavioural and intellectual disabilities and heart defects. But it’s also 100 percent preventable by being alcohol-free. There is no safe time, type or amount of alcohol to drink when pregnant. Because alcohol in the bloodstream passes easily through the placenta, the baby is exposed to the same blood alcohol level as the mother.” 

Chester also recommends women who want to get pregnant should also avoid alcohol.

Some ways to be alcohol-free during pregnancy include asking partners, whānau and friends to support you through pregnancy by discouraging alcohol at home and at events and having non-

alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.

It is estimated that one in five of New Zealand women drink alcohol at some time during their pregnancy, with this rate is higher for women aged 15 to 24 years old.

“By raising awareness about what causes FASD and the tragic consequences it can have on people’s lives, we hope to encourage mothers not to drink while pregnant or when trying to get pregnant. This means more babies are born healthy, with the best chance at reaching their full potential in life,” says Mr Penaflor.  

For help with drinking, please talk to your midwife, doctor or nurse or call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797.