KEY POINTS:
Urgent action is needed to counter the high numbers of women drinking during pregnancy, a study says.
The study, by Christine Rogan of Alcohol Healthwatch, says steps need to be taken to prevent and treat foetal alcohol spectrum disorder as well as provide support for affected families.
The
disorder causes birth defects and developmental disorders. It is difficult to diagnose and may be associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.
"With increasing drinking by women, young women in particular, we simply must get our heads out of the sand and fund comprehensive strategic action," Ms Rogan said.
The study cited surveys, which suggested 50 per cent of women believed drinking some alcohol during pregnancy was acceptable, with 20 to 36 per cent of women drinking while pregnant.
However, midwife reports said the number of pregnant teenagers drinking was closer to 80 per cent.
Ms Rogan's study said the level of drinking during pregnancy was a problem that required urgent nationwide action.
Prevention programmes targeting high-risk groups, such as teenagers, should be developed. They should also research the primary health sector to ascertain the level of advice women of a reproductive age were getting and provide that sector with comprehensive education.
All women of reproductive age should be screened for alcohol use regardless of pregnancy status, as well as during the first antenatal visits, with referrals to alcohol and drug services given where needed.
The study said the total number of people with the syndrome was difficult to calculate but anecdotal evidence suggested numbers, with and without a diagnosis, were significant.
It had also been conservatively estimated to affect one in 100 births.
However, the study said the numbers were likely to be greater here because of the binge-drinking culture and the increase in women drinking.
Ms Rogan said other countries were leaps and bounds ahead in acknowledging the issue and implementing effective prevention, diagnosis and support interventions.
New Zealand acknowledged the existence of the syndrome but had no consistent policies and few financial resources allocated to it.
The study said a lack of evidence had been cited why no programmes had been developed but, without trained professionals to diagnose it, it could not be accurately assessed.
Ms Rogan said the study, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in New Zealand: Activating the Awareness and Intervention Continuum, was intended to inform and guide the development of effective policy and responses within the public sectors.
- NZPA