A leading Indigenous health practitioner has partnered with DrinkWise to urge women to abstain from drinking in the lead up and during pregnancy, as well as breastfeeding, in the lead up to International FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Awareness Day.

Dr Mark Wenitong, along with actor Deborah Mailman, has joined forces with DrinkWise ahead of FASD Awareness Day on September 9 as research shows 87 per cent of women between the ages of 18 and 44 believe no alcohol should be consumed during pregnancy, up from 77 per cent in 2018.

85 per cent of Australians said that they would encourage a friend or family member to stop drinking completely if they were pregnant, whilst data from the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing in 2021 showed over 91 per cent of First Nations women did not consume alcohol in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

96.6 per cent of women who identified as First Nations did not consume alcohol after 20 weeks of pregnancy, up from 95.9 per cent in 2019.

"It's great that an increasing number of Indigenous women are reporting that they are staying away from alcohol when they are pregnant, but there is still a lot more to be done to increase awareness about FASD and the fact that any amount of alcohol will have an impact on the fetus, no matter what background you come from," Dr Wenitong said.

The Kabi Kabi man has worked for close to 30 years to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations people. He has called for ongoing education about FASD, as well as the importance of abstaining from alcohol when pregnant, when planning for a pregnancy and when breastfeeding.

"It's really important to acknowledge that FASD is not just an issue for our mob or for women in general, but for everyone," Dr Wenitong said.

"The good thing about this DrinkWise campaign is that it also provides these messages tailored for our mob.

"Aboriginal actor Deb Mailman is a relatable role model and it's great to see that she continues to lend her voice to the campaign. Her message about FASD which will be shown on the Indigenous Imparja television network supports what we know to be true, which is that mob feel more culturally safe when they see themselves reflected in materials."

DrinkWise chief executive Simon Strahan, said whilst the rates of abstinence during pregnancy were trending in the right direction, more awareness was needed across the country.

"DrinkWise is committed to helping expectant mothers, partners, families and the wider community to be informed about FASD so they can support women during their pregnancies and help ensure the next generation has the best start in life," he said.

DrinkWise said that continued education is critical. Whilst most Australians had heard of FASD, 27 per cent of them said they had "very limited understanding' of the condition".

"As a doctor, my advice is to not drink alcohol when you're planning for a pregnancy and while you are pregnant as FASD is 100 per cent preventable," Dr Wenitong said.

"For men, this might mean they could also stop drinking during the pregnancy as well as a sign of support."

Obstetrician Dr Vicki Carson said there is still a disconnect when it comes to understanding the consequences of FASD.

"All Australians need to know that FASD can cause unnecessary and irreparable damage to the size and weight of the fetal brain," she said.

"Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can directly harm regions of a baby's brain that are essential for learning, memory, behaviour, language, and decision-making.

"These are devastating effects that are permanent, which is why doctors, obstetricians and midwives play an integral role in reminding their pregnant patients that alcohol should not be consumed during their pregnancy journey."

National Manager of Indigenous mental health organisation 13YARN, Marjorie Anderson, argues education and raising awareness and understanding of FASD, as well as reducing the stigma, was important.

"Our mob need to understand the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and where to go for support, so they can ask for help if they need it," she said.

Ms Anderson said she wanted all the community to know they can call 13YARN if they were feeling overwhelmed.

"We are there to have a yarn in a culturally safe space about any needs, worries or concerns without judgement," she said.

If you or someone you know is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping, call 13YARN on 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au

For more information on DrinkWise's annual FASD campaign, please visit DrinkWise.org.au

International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day is a global initiative designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families who are affected or have been impacted by the disorder. September 9th was chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol.