Alcohol problems in pregnancy and childhood--where do we go from here?

The awareness of potential damage to the foetus caused by maternaldrinking during pregnancy creates the need for a planned programmeof education for young women of child-bearing age. Preventionof foetal damage might best be achieved by commencing the educationprocess with schoolchildren and adolescents but preconceptionand antenatal clinics must necessarily be ‘foci of attention’.Thought must be directed to the content of the material presentedand efforts made to tailor the information for target groups.A prime need is the proper instruction of all those who willbe involved as educators to ensure a balanced approach. Primary prevention must be the mainstay of our efforts in themanagement of obstetric, neonatal and developmental problemsresulting from alcohol consumption during pregnancy.