However, due to multiple amendments in the Australian guidelines over the last two decades, differing world-wide policies and conflicting media portrayal, it is understandable that this has led to some confusion among pregnant women and the general public about the accepted level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, as evidenced by significant numbers of pregnant women continuing to drink during pregnancy despite the current guidelines. Given the uncertainty and lack of evidence surrounding the effects of low amounts of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the latest Australian guidelines recommend that for pregnant women or women planning a pregnancy, not drinking is the safest option.
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Estimates of the prevalence of FAS or FASD vary between countries and ethnic groups, and have been difficult to determine due to inadequate means of consistent diagnoses. There is still a significant lack of evidence surrounding the effects of low to moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy. While FAS may be easier to diagnose at birth due to the nature of the physical birth defects, prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a range of developmental problems that may not be visible, and often may not be noticed until a child enters schooling. FAS is characterised by distinctive facial deformities, growth deficiencies, as well as developmental problems such as learning difficulties, lowered IQ and poor attention span. At the higher end of the spectrum, associated with heavy alcohol consumption or binge drinking, is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). These conditions can result in a range of physical, developmental and neurobehavioural abnormalities. Prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a variety of adverse consequences, falling under the umbrella term of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The harmful effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy are well established. Finally, it is important to ensure ongoing education for health professionals on the issue of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Additionally, more thorough and consistent routine enquiry for alcohol consumption in pregnant women needs to occur. Firstly, public health messages and educational materials need to provide clear and consistent information about the effects of alcohol consumption on the developing baby. Several recommendations can be made on the basis of these findings. The findings of this research provide important insights in to the relationship between pregnant women, their partners, and their healthcare providers. In addition, routine enquiry and the provision of information by health care professionals were seen as lacking.
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The findings indicated that although the majority of participants knew not to drink alcohol in pregnancy they had limited information on the specific harmful effects. Seven major themes were identified from the focus group data: 1) knowledge of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders 2) message content and sources 3) healthcare system 4) society and culture 5) partner role 6) evaluation of risk and 7) motivation.
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A six-stage thematic analysis framework was used to analyse all focus group discussions in a systematic way. Five focus groups were conducted involving a total of 21 participants (17 female). Focus groups examined the participant’s knowledge about the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the sources of information on this issue, and the psycho-social influences on their drinking behaviour.
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The current study utilised a qualitative study design in order to gain insight into the views and experiences of pregnant women, newly delivered mothers and their partners. In order to improve prevention strategies, we sought to understand the knowledge and experiences of pregnant women and their partners regarding the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. For this reason it is important to determine what information is being provided, what information may be missing, and the preferred sources of information on this issue. While it is well established that alcohol can cross the placenta to the foetus and can affect an infant’s development, many women continue to drink during pregnancy.