Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are one of the most common preventable causes of congenital developmental disorders. Unlike some other impairments, FASD is not curable and affects children for life.
There is no safe amount of alcohol
Current scientific knowledge indicates that there is no amount of alcohol that is considered safe for the development of the unborn child. 'This is why we recommend abstaining from drinking alcohol during the entire pregnancy – ideally already from conception, even before a pregnancy test results positive,' emphasizes Tania Séverin, Director of Sucht Schweiz.
Updated platform for information and guidance
Sucht Schweiz has comprehensively updated the website schwangerschaft-ohne-alkohol.ch. It provides clear, scientifically-based information for an alcohol-free pregnancy and answers to common questions from expectant parents and professionals. Additionally, there is reliable information provided for suspicion of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
More awareness needed for the early pregnancy phase
Most women stop drinking alcohol after confirming pregnancy. However, in a survey conducted by Sucht Schweiz with over 800 pregnant women, almost every second woman Updated platform for information and guidanceeported having consumed alcohol between conception and pregnancy confirmation. Sucht Schweiz advocates for greater awareness of the importance of an alcohol-free start to pregnancy, as even in this early phase, alcohol can affect the development of the unborn child.
The responsibility does not rest solely with expectant parents, but involves the entire social environment. Since many pregnancies are only detected weeks after conception, it is vital to consider abstaining from alcohol in the case of absent menstruation or suspected pregnancy. Those hoping to have a child should refrain from alcohol during pregnancy planning and before conception. This way, unborn children are protected from avoidable impairments in the initial weeks of their development.
Alcohol reaches the baby immediately
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it passes directly to the unborn child through the placenta. The baby reaches nearly the same blood alcohol concentration as the mother. Unlike adults, the unborn child can only metabolize alcohol very slowly, as its metabolism is not yet fully developed. This means that alcohol stays in the body much longer and can impair the development of organs, particularly the brain. Alcohol consumption can have negative effects at any stage of the pregnancy.
In Switzerland, an estimated over 1,700 children are born annually with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). This can lead to memory and learning problems, psychomotor disorders, difficulties with language comprehension, or social relationships. Severe forms of FASD often require comprehensive support in everyday life.
The website schwangerschaft-ohne-alkohol.ch raises awareness about health risks and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). It provides guidance on maintaining an alcohol-free pregnancy and answers to frequently asked questions.
A clear leaflet offers mothers-to-be and their social circle tips to help avoid alcohol.
From the series Im Fokus, a documentary addresses the topic of alcohol and pregnancy.
The umbrella association FASD Schweiz offers information, addresses of counseling and diagnostic centers for people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and their relatives.
Press Contact:
Monique Portner-Helfer,
Media Spokesperson
mportner-helfer@suchtschweiz.ch
Tel.: 021 321 29 74