Alcohol consumption in pregnancy — a health education problem

The drinking habits, demographic characteristics and knowledge about the effects of drinking during pregnancy of 380 pregnant women in Belfast were investigated. Forty-five per cent of the women were non-drinkers, 39% were occasional drinkers and 16% were regular drinkers. The majority of women knew that alcohol could harm their babies but were unsure of the specific effects. Regular drinkers were more likely than occasional drinkers or non-drinkers to say that harm would only be done if alcohol was taken in excess. The topic of alcohol is rarely discussed at antenatal clinics and cases of fetal alcohol syndrome, an uncommon but preventable condition, are probably being missed as a result. There is a need for more health education for the general public, especially school children, and for increased awareness among health professionals that the problem of alcohol in pregnancy exists and is likely to increase if the trend towards alcohol abuse among the younger members of the population continues.