No safe levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy

Despite several research studies claiming that pregnant woman can consume minimum amounts of certain types of alcohol, information being distributed in a campaign launched as part of the National Cancer Plan claims there are no safe levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Health Minister Joseph Cassar said that expecting mothers should refrain from consuming alcohol as soon as their pregnancy is confirmed to prevent harmful effects on the baby.

“A healthy start is important for both mother and child. Although the number of pregnant women consuming alcohol once the baby is conceived is small, this campaign is targeting those few who are unaware of the harmful effect of alcohol on the foetus,” Cassar said.

Radio messages will also be used to deliver messages of zero tolerance of alcohol consumption during pregnancies.

The minister explained that alcohol crosses from the mother’s blood into the baby’s blood meaning a baby will consume alcohol when the mother does.

“Your baby’s brain is developing throughout pregnancy and the safest choice during pregnancy is no alcohol at all despite a number of research studies claiming otherwise,” Cassar said.

Having a small amount of alcohol before knowing one is pregnant is not likely to harm the foetus but the campaign tells pregnant woman to immediately refrain from consuming any more alcohol.

Harmful effects of consuming alcohol can include pre-mature birth, low IQ and anti-social behaviour once born, effects on the development of the brain, and miscarriages can also be triggered with mass alcohol consumption.

“We are not trying to instil fear by saying that all babies are at risk because a woman drank during the first trimester of pregnancy. A woman may not immediately be aware she is pregnant and we are simply advising them to refrain from drinking as soon as they find out they are pregnant,” Cassar said.

The campaign entitled ‘Celebrating pregnancy without alcohol’ also advises fathers-to-be or partners to support pregnant women during pregnancy by also choosing not to drink while organisers of events can provide non-alcoholic alternatives, such  as “mocktails”, where alcohol is likely to be served.

Cassar said that this campaign is being launched as part of the National Cancer Plan because of the link between alcohol and cancer.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

Parent Craft Services Helpline: 2545 5124

Agenzija Sedqa: 2388 5110

National Supportline: 179

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate: 2326 6000