Alcohol during pregnancy

What are the risks?

It is well documented that drinking during pregnancy can have harmful effects on the unborn child. What is less well known is that heavy alcohol consumption in pregnancy can result in the condition known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The Isle of Man Health and Lifestyle 2009 survey tells us that 15.3% of all adults binge drink, which suggests that for some young women weekend binges are becoming a regular event. This can be a particular problem in the first few weeks of pregnancy when some young women do not realise they are pregnant yet.

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the term used to describe a number of fetal abnormalities which occur in the babies of women who have consumed excessive alcohol during the course of their pregnancy. Any amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy crosses the placenta and can result in irreversible birth defects with life-long consequences for the child and its family. The severity of the harm on the child usually depends on the amount of alcohol consumed.

The term Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) may also be used when talking about alcohol consumption and its effects in pregnancy. This is a term used referring to the range of disabilities caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol.

The following symptoms are associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS):

• Low birth weight
• Small head
• Flat face with a snub nose and unusually smooth area between nose and mouth
• Thin upper lip
• Small, widely spaced eyes with prominent folds of skin on the nasal side of the eye
• Specific or general learning difficulties
• Hyperactivity and attention problems

The picture shows what regular alcohol use can do to an unborn baby's brain – the one on the left is a healthy baby; the one on the right has full FAS. (Photo courtesey of Dr Sterling K Clarren)

What are the safe limits for alcohol in pregnancy?

It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol if you're pregnant. You should also avoid drinking alcohol if you're trying for a baby or planning to do so, as many women don't realise they're pregnant until some weeks into their pregnancy.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) advises women who are pregnant to avoid alcohol in the first 3 months in particular, because of the increased risk of miscarriage and nervous system damage.

During pregnancy, the risk of harming the developing foetus is increased by the amount of alcohol consumed.

If you do choose to drink, to minimise the risk to your unborn baby, you should not drink more than 1 to 2 units of alcohol once or twice a week. You should not get drunk and avoid binge drinking. For women, binge drinking means drinking more than 6 units of alcohol in a day.

Where can I get more help?

If you have been drinking during pregnancy, don't panic, you should talk to your Midwife or GP about it.

Motiv8 offers support for anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s drinking.

For further advice contact: