Fourth AER peer review on alcohol and pregnancy

Katowice 18th march 09

Definition

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a disorder that can occur to the embryo when a pregnant woman ingests alcohol during pregnancy.

Consequences of FAS

• Primary Disabilities– Brain damage– Lowered cognitive function– Inability to learn from consequences– Facial dysmorphology– Growth deficiency• Secondary Disabilities– Disrupted school experiences– Trouble with the law– Inappropriate sexual behaviors

– Alcohol/drug problems

Typical clinical picture

Neuropsychological disturbances

memory

concentration

coordination

speech

reading and writing

mood motivation

No one knows what amount ofalcohol is safe for a pregnant woman

This is why women are advised to stop drinking alcohol completely during pregancy

2006 – the first studies conducted in Poland showed:

Every third woman (33%) aged 18-40 drinks alcohol during pregnancy

As many as 16% of women with higher education think that drinking alcohol does not cause harm to the fetus

Almost two-third of pregnant women have not been warned by doctors against negative consequences

Myths: red wine is good in pragnancy!!

Pregnancy with no alcohol Since September 2007 - Tv and radio spot, billboards, city lights - press and broadcasting releases - over 659 thousand „Pregnancy with no

alcohol” leaflets - 211 000 brochures and books - A Child for life film - FAScinating children exibition of photographs

What is the problems in our regions? Increasing amount of teenage mothers with a poor social situation The economical situation, lack of funding for prevention Lack of statistics, in many regions there is no statistics about

alcohol consumption and about alcohol and pregnancy Changing drinking patterns among women, a problem in all regions Women with a poor social situation and with alcohol problems

don’t have any contact with professionals in the health sector or in social services

The mentality against alcohol, alcohol is socially accepted There is poor routines for diagnosing and treatment for children

with FAS. Alcohol is accepted and used by professionals in health care and

this might stop them from asking questions about alcohol.

What needs to be done? Better statistics, in order to be able to work on this we

need to know the real numbers. Education, for doctors, nurses, midwives and

teachers. Education and information directed to young people

about the risks about drinking alcohol during your pregnancy

Making it attractive for doctors and nurses to have knowledge about this

Create diagnostic centers for treatment and consulting for children with FAS.

Cooperation between NGO:s and authorities needs to be better.