#Drymester - Say no to alcohol in pregnancy
Today at CTM, we are launching #Drymester, a new campaign to help and support people to remain alcohol free during pregnancy.
Whether you are pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant or know someone who is pregnant, it is important to remember that drinking any alcohol during pregnancy can put your baby at risk.
Supported by its Value Based Health Care team, Cwm Taf Morgannwg is the first health board in Wales to support the Drymester campaign, offering advice and guidance to pregnant women through a programme that has been rolled out across RCT, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend, which focuses on prevention, early intervention and awareness raising.
Sharon Webber, Public Health Specialist Midwife for CTM said: “We often hear conflicting messages around the safety of alcohol and pregnancy. Our message is simple and based on the facts - when it comes to alcohol, there is no safe time or no safe amount during pregnancy.
“This campaign seeks to clear up any confusion around drinking during pregnancy. Our midwives and doctors will be asking pregnant people about their alcohol consumption, and providing help and advice on how to keep pregnancy alcohol free.”
Some of the risks of consuming alcohol in pregnancy include miscarriage, the baby being born early, a low birth weight and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
FASD is a preventable condition that the World Health Organisation reports affects 1 in 100 babies.
Symptoms of FASD can be physical as well as mental and can include damage to the brain, kidneys and limbs as well as low set ears and a flat philtrum (the vertical groove between the nose and top lip). Children with FASD can also demonstrate:
- Learning difficulties
- Poor impulse control
- Problems in memory, attention or judgment
- Problems in social understanding
This can lead to children being misdiagnosed as having autism and Asperger’s syndrome.
Visit our Drymester website for more information about staying alcohol free in pregnancy.
27/11/2023