DrinkWise and medical professionals, including prominent Indigenous Health expert Dr. Mark Wenitong, have collaborated to recommend women avoid alcohol before and during pregnancy, as well as while breastfeeding ahead of International FASD Awareness Day on September 9.
Recent research by DrinkWise indicates that 91% of Australians believe it's safer to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy and rises to 94% among females aged 18-44.
Of those women, a noteworthy 87% expressed the view that no alcohol should be consumed at any stage of pregnancy, representing a substantial increase from 82% in 2022 and 76% in 2019.
Dr. Mark Wenitong has dedicated nearly three decades to enhancing health and well-being, emphasising the importance of education regarding FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) and the significance of abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy, pregnancy planning, and breastfeeding.
Data from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health survey shows that 90% of mothers to Indigenous children aged 0–three years said they did not consume alcohol during their pregnancy.
"It's great that so many mothers to Indigenous children 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.
"It's really important to acknowledge that this is not just an issue for our mob or for women in general, but for everyone.
"For men, the best thing they can do to make sure their bub gets born healthy and lives a good long life is to provide an environment that's caring and loving for the mum, which might mean they should also stop drinking as well for the duration of the pregnancy as a sign of support."
Although there is a positive trend in the statistics, education remains crucial as only 58% of Australians are aware that FASD is entirely preventable.
Obstetrician Dr Vicki Carson believes all Australians need to know that FASD is a 100% preventable condition that can cause irreparable damage but can be prevented by making the choice to not drink alcohol when trying to conceive, when pregnant or when breastfeeding.
"Prenatal exposure to alcohol can reduce the size and weight of the fetal brain," Dr Carson said.
"It can also directly damage regions of a baby's brain that are critical for learning, memory, behaviour, language and decision-making.
"When I see a couple who already has one child affected by FASD, the most common reason I hear is that they didn't know to avoid or abstain from alcohol during pregnancy or they thought a little bit wouldn't hurt. And that's just a reminder how important this campaign is."
DrinkWise CEO, Simon Strahan, pointed out that the recent research by DrinkWise revealed that 55% of partners would actively encourage their loved ones to refrain from alcohol when attempting to conceive, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.
About 51% would also cease alcohol consumption during these periods as a gesture of support.
"This message to abstain from alcohol when planning a pregnancy, when pregnant and when breastfeeding is an important one for partners, families and the wider community to understand, so they can support women throughout that pregnancy journey," Mr Strahan said.
"DrinkWise is committed to providing ongoing education and support to ensure that all Australians know that FASD is 100% preventable."
13YARN National Manager, Marjorie Anderson, agrees.
"Education and raising awareness and understanding of FASD and reducing stigma and shame is important," she said.
"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."
