The Western Health Trust has warned of the dangers of drinking alcohol and taking illegal drugs whilst pregnant.
The Trust says the safest approach in pregnancy was to choose not to drink at all.
The risk of damage to the developing baby is increased the more you drink, so that is why binge drinking is especially harmful.
Risk relates to a range of conditions called Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Foetal Alcohol Disorder (FAD).
Drinking heavily in early pregnancy or binge drinking, (over six units in one session) carries an increased risk of early pregnancy miscarriage.
However, guidance is if you choose to drink, then protect your baby by not drinking more than 1-2 units of alcohol one – two times per week.
A Trust spokesperson said: “Alcohol is a toxic substance and passes from the mums blood stream through the placenta and into the baby’s blood stream, the placenta does not act as a filter.
“Drinking alcohol in pregnancy can affect the way the baby develops in the womb, and its long term physical and mental health and a child’s ability to learn.”
What is FAS/FASD?
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome children can have growth problems, facial defects and lifelong learning and behaviour problems. Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder describes the range of less obvious effects that can be mild to severe and relate to one or more of the following range of symptoms:
• Low birth size problems
• Problems eating and sleeping
• Problems seeing and hearing
• Trouble paying attention and learning in school
• Children born with FASD may need medical care all their lives and/or special educational support.
The spokesperson added: “Remember that FAS and FASD is 100% preventable by not drinking alcohol during your pregnancy.
“Talk to your GP of Midwife if you are concerned about your drinking.”
Drugs in Pregnancy
The Trust is also alerting mums-to-be of the dangers of taking Illegal drugs like cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin.
The spokesperson said “It is important that you get help and advice from your doctor or midwife if you use any of these drugs they can offer you support and help with stopping.
“You can also contact Narcotics Anonymous on 03009991212.
“Always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking any medicines eg common painkillers.
“Make sure that your doctor, dentist or other health professional know you are pregnant before they prescribe you anything or give you treatment. Use as few over the counter medicines as possible and if in doubt check with your pharmacist.”
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