Three in five mums-to-be still drinking

AN incredible 60pc of women continue to booze while pregnant, even though they may be doing irreparable harm to their unborn child.

Doctors have warned against drinking while pregnant because victims of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder can suffer from life-long behavioural, physical and mental problems.

Experts believe that legislation is needed to heighten awareness of the disorder.

Dr Siobhan Barry expressed her worries about the findings in her studies.

"The fact that 6 out of 10 women continue to drink is desperately worrying," she said.

awareness

She criticised the Government for not creating awareness of the subject and allowing Ireland to fall behind the rest of Europe in terms of labelling drink containers with prohibitive messages.

"There is little awareness in Ireland of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

"This contrasts with countries like France, the US and Scandinavia where labelling is part of a targeted public health effort to raise awareness of the issue," she added.

Health chiefs have also come under fire from charitable organisations for their failure to highlight the issue.

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