Far too many Germans find alcohol in pregnancy justifiable

Alcohol for pregnant women: Almost one in five thinks that occasional drinking is okay
Although it has long been known that any alcohol consumption during pregnancy can harm the unborn child both physically and mentally, almost every fifth German citizen still considers an occasional glass of beer or sparkling wine to be acceptable to expectant mothers.

Almost one in five likes the occasional drink
Despite all expert warnings, 18 percent of Germans consider it justifiable for women to occasionally grab a glass of sparkling wine or beer during pregnancy. Another ten percent had expressed no clear opinion. However, with 72 percent of respondents, the vast majority of Germans consider the occasional glass to be inappropriate. This emerges from a survey commissioned by the private health insurance (PKV), which is the German Press Agency.

Pregnancy and alcohol? Fatal consequences for the child! Image: tope007 - fotolia

"Zero point zero alcohol"
According to the survey, which surveyed over 2,000 citizens in August by the INSA Institute, the acceptance of small amounts of alcohol for pregnant women increases with age. While among the 18 to 24-year-olds only four percent consider a glass of alcohol during pregnancy to be justifiable, for the over 54-year-olds this is almost a quarter with 23 percent. No clear opinion on the subject had twelve percent of young adults and ten percent of the elders. Volker Leienbach, association director of private health insurance explained: "In pregnancy is without any ifs and buts: zero point zero alcohol. Even small amounts can harm the baby in the womb, even a single intoxication can seriously endanger his health - even to the worst disabilities. "

Many citizens are not aware of the fatal consequences
However, it is still not clear to many people that the consumption of alcohol is associated with consequences for the unborn child. The news agency dpa reported a few months ago that the alcohol taboo for mothers is unknown to many. The agency referred to a survey that found that only 44 percent of Germans know that expectant mothers who drink beer, wine or liquor risk lasting damage to their child.

Lifelong physical malformations
But every glass damages, paediatricians warn. Every year, thousands of babies develop severe physical and mental damage as a result of the alcohol intake of pregnant women already in the womb. According to health experts, it can lead to severe physical malformations and, later on, disrupted growth, neurological abnormalities and intellectual developmental disorders. Such antenatal damage from mother's alcohol consumption is summarized under the term FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders). A distinction is sometimes made between so-called "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome" (FAS) and "Fetal Alcohol Effects" (FAE). According to estimates, about 10,000 babies are born each year in Germany, who have been harmed by the alcohol consumption of their mother. The full picture of the disorder, which is associated with mental and physical disability, is therefore present in over 2,000 newborns.

Partners can help with the abandonment
On Wednesday, the ninth of September, is the "Day of the Alcohol-Deficient Child". Marlene Mortler (CSU), Drug Commissioner of the Federal Government said: "For those affected and their families, these disorders are a major burden." The black-red government is pursuing the strategy to support those affected and their families and to avoid FASD with education. The Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) has recently published a tip that will make it easier for expecting mothers to keep their fingers off their drink: their partners can help with abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy by doing without themselves and also a non-alcoholic cocktail together enjoy. (Ad)