In Suffolk, our focus is on positively impacting the health and wellbeing of expectant parents and their unborn children. Through collaborative efforts, we’re introducing the #DRYMESTER initiative to local communities. This initiative aims to educate individuals who are pregnant or planning pregnancy about the risks associated with alcohol consumption during gestation.
Consuming alcohol while pregnant can have severe consequences on the developing baby’s brain and body, leading to a range of lifelong disabilities known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This umbrella term encompasses more than 400 conditions, including physical, mental, behavioral, and learning difficulties.
A prevalence study in Greater Manchester revealed that FASD could affect up to 3.6% of children, translating to approximately 247 babies born annually in Suffolk. FASD is entirely preventable, and by raising awareness, we aim to mitigate alcohol-related harm to unborn babies.
Recent research indicates that around 41% of pregnant women in the UK may consume alcohol, often due to conflicting advice passed down through generations. Our campaign is rooted in expert guidance, following the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officers: abstaining from alcohol entirely during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy is the safest approach to minimise risks to the baby.
We understand that many pregnancies are unplanned. Therefore, our campaign stresses the importance of stopping alcohol consumption as soon as a woman discovers she is pregnant. We also provide healthcare professionals working with expectant parents with valuable tools to facilitate discussions and reinforce the message that there is NO SAFE TIME and NO SAFE AMOUNT of alcohol during pregnancy.
Join us in raising awareness to reduce risks to babies and support healthier pregnancies.
