5 ways to support loved ones to have an alcohol-free pregnancy
During the Christmas and New Year period, there can be increased pressure on people to drink alcohol. When you are pregnant or trying for a baby, this can make going alcohol-free even more difficult.
There is more all of us can do to actively support partners, friends and family members who are pregnant and have decided to go alcohol-free.
The Australian Alcohol Guidelines were recently updated by the National Health and Medical Research Council based on the most up-to-date medical evidence. They now advise you should not drink alcohol if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
This is because anything you drink, your baby drinks, across every stage of pregnancy.
Alcohol freely crosses from the mother’s blood to the baby’s blood. This can damage the baby’s developing brain and lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the leading non-genetic developmental disability in Australia.
Here are five ways that you can help those close to you to go alcohol-free if they are pregnant or trying for a baby.
1. Respect people’s decision to go alcohol-free
Many of us have experienced the range of questions that can follow when you reveal you’re ‘not drinking tonight’. A decision not to drink alcohol can be frequently challenged and met with suspicion, instead of acceptance.
One of the best things partners, family and friends can do is to simply make sure your loved one knows they are actively supported in their decision to have an alcohol-free pregnancy.
Next time someone says they’re not drinking alcohol, don’t question their decision, be supportive.
2. Create a supportive environment
After letting your loved one know you respect and support their decision, there are plenty of practical things you can do to actively demonstrate this.
This can include choosing ways of socialising that don’t involve alcohol, or offering non-alcoholic drinks when hosting events or having people around.
You can also support someone who is being pressured to drink in social situations, by encouraging others to support their decision.
3. Learn more about alcohol and pregnancy, and share the information
Everyone has a role to play in supporting healthy pregnancies – learn more and share the information, so across the community we can normalise alcohol-free pregnancy.
Alcohol consumed during pregnancy passes directly to the developing baby and can damage their brain, body, and organs. This can lead to a lifelong disability known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Alcohol can also affect fertility, increase the time it takes to get pregnant, and increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.
There are a few sites you can visit to learn more, including Every Moment Matters which covers evidence for and support of alcohol-free pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can also learn more about FASD, and hear directly about the experiences of people with FASD and their families, at NOFASD Australia.
4. Go alcohol free yourself
Joining your loved one in going alcohol-free is a great way to show your support – research shows people are more likely to have an alcohol-free pregnancy if their partner or close support people have stopped drinking alcohol too.
By going alcohol-free together, we can create a space where there is no pressure to drink. (Plus, cutting back on alcohol or giving it up is good for your health too.)
5. Encourage them to speak with their doctor, midwife or obstetrician
There is always more support available. A GP, midwife or obstetrician can answer questions about alcohol and pregnancy, and make sure you’re working with advice based on the latest medical science.
By Caterina Giorgi. Caterina is the CEO of The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)
