Levels of hazardous drinking among young women has risen in
the last 10 years which could mean a potential increase in
foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, the Alcohol Advisory
Council (Alac) says.
The rate of hazardous drinking among women aged 25 to 34 has
risen from 14 to 18 percent since 2000.
"Binge drinking is a major issue for many New Zealanders and
some women are continuing to drink while pregnant," Alac
chief executive Gerard Vaughan said.
There was no safe level of drinking at any stage of pregnancy
and health professionals needed to give consistent advice to
pregnant women, he said.
Tomorrow is foetal alcohol spectrum disorder awareness day
and Alac has an application with Food Standards Australia New
Zealand for health advisory labels on alcohol to warn against
drinking when pregnant.
"Friends and families also have a role in supporting and
encouraging pregnant women to not drink while pregnant," Mr
Vaughan said.
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