DRINKING DURING PREGNANCY
During pregnancy alcohol from the mother’s bloodstream crosses the placenta and
is taken up by the developing baby. The foetus is most sensitive to alcohol during the
earliest stages of pregnancy when the complex organs and nervous system are being
formed. The Department of Health advises women who are pregnant or who are trying
to become pregnant to drink no more than 1-2 units of alcohol per week. However it is
recommended women do not drink at all during pregnancy or when intending to get
pregnant.
FOETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME
Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a group of difficulties seen in the babies of very heavy
drinking mothers. Symptoms include: growth deficiencies, central nervous system defects,
lowered IQ and facial malformations. FAS is found only in children of women who regularly
drink more than 56 units of alcohol (approximately two bottles of spirits, or eight bottles of wine)
a week during pregnancy.
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