The health professionals can now consult new guidebook regarding the prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD) and other alcohol-related problems found in pregnant women.

The name of the new guide is ‘Alcohol and Pregnancy: A Practical Guide for Health Professionals’.

Today, the Associate Health Minister, Mr. Peter Dunne, inaugurated the guide. He also made a request to all women who are about to give birth to a new life to steer clear from alcohol.

Mr. Dunne said that FASD affects women from all walks of life and is not limited to only poor women or Maori and Pacific mothers. He further added that at least 29% women consume alcohol when they are pregnant and many of them are Pakeha.

It is apposite to know that as many as 500 babies are born with FASD.

Research shows that there are not much guidelines available to deal with the alcohol problem. The GPs are now hopeful that the new guide will help them in helping the patients.

The financial aid for the guide was made available by Alcohol Advisory Council. The Paediatric Society of New Zealand has given approval to the new guide.

It is worth mentioning that in the last three years, health professionals mentioned only three-quarter of patients about the harmful effects of the alcohol that is consumed during pregnancy.