Hidden risks of booze

Tania Henderson says just one alcoholic drink during pregnancy puts the baby at risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Photo / Supplied

Today is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) awareness day created to increase recognition of the risks associated with drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

There is no known type, or amount, of alcohol that is safe to drink at any time during pregnancy. Just one drink of alcohol during pregnancy places the baby at risk of FASD, Far North parenting educator Tania Henderson says.

FASD can include physical disabilities, as well as difficulties with behaviour and learning. Effectively these are like a brain injury - lifelong and irreversible, and can affect a person in different ways, ranging from mild to severe. It is estimated up to 3000 NZ children are born every year with FASD.

"FASD is preventable if mothers avoid alcohol during pregnancy, but the harmful effects from mothers drinking during pregnancy is commonplace in Northland," Ms Henderson said.

"I am often asked by parents 'why do my children act the way they do'. This is a topic we address within our Tikanga Matua Parenting Programme.

"We discuss openly the effects and harm that alcohol and other drugs have on the developing baby and its brain, and the potential behaviours that tamariki can display. It is through these discussions that mums realise that the behaviours their tamariki are as a direct result of their alcohol or substance abuse during pregnancy.

"For some, even though they knew they shouldn't be drinking or drugging, they did not fully understand the effect their choices would have on their tamariki."

From that realisation, she is able to invite the parents to own their children's behaviour. This is not to make parents or caregivers feel bad, but to help them develop coping strategies and instil a sense of responsibility to learn how they can help their children understand themselves.

"These are not kids who are born naughty. They behave differently because their brains are different. Because their brains are damaged, they often fail to understand the consequences of their actions.

"More often than not, this leads the young people into trouble at school and with the law."

-People with concerns about their drinking or that of others can phone the free Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800-787-797.