Northland women warned not to drink while pregnant | Northland News | Local News in Northland

Pregnant women from around Northland took to the streets to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy.

Several events were held in Whangarei, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, Kaikohe and the Hokianga to mark International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Day last week.

In Whangarei's Cameron St Mall, Ngati Hine Health Trust workers and volunteers spoke to members of the public about how alcohol affects the unborn child. FASD is associated with drinking alcohol during pregnancy, causing serious social and behavioural problems. It is also the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation.

New Zealand studies have shown one in four pregnant women in the country continue to drink alcohol putting their unborn child at risk.

The Northland District Health Board (NDHB) is unsure whether this is because women are getting conflicting messages about whether it is safe to consume alcohol during pregnancy.

However, the best advice they can give women who are pregnant or contemplating becoming pregnant is to not consume alcohol or drugs, including tobacco, during pregnancy.

The NDHB says alcohol and drugs are best avoided while breastfeeding also as they can pass through the milk to the baby, affecting the child's development.

If you have concerns about your drinking or someone else's, please contact the Alcohol Drug Helpline in the first instance on 0800 787 797.