NSW Health is launching the Stay strong and healthy it’s worth it! Project resources across NSW. The resources and videos are designed to raise awareness among Aboriginal women and their partners and families of the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and FASD.
A Stay Strong and Healthy video and guide for health professionals are also available.
The Stay Strong and Healthy Project complements the national ‘Women Want to Know’ alcohol and pregnancy awareness campaign designed for Australian women and health professionals.
What is FASD?
FASD or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders is a term to describe a group of conditions caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
A baby born with FASD can have life-long problems with learning, growth, behaviour, memory, language, communication and everyday living. A baby born with FASD may also have birth defects and facial abnormalities.
No alcohol during pregnancy and while breast feeding is best for your baby.
When a pregnant woman drinks, alcohol moves through her body (‘circulates’) in the bloodstream, and also enters the baby’s bloodstream in the same concentration. The alcohol can affect the development of the baby’s brain. There is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy and there is no known safe amount of alcohol.
It is never too late to stop drinking during your pregnancy.
If you have been drinking, try to safely stop as soon as you can to increase your chances of having a healthy baby. It can be dangerous to stop drinking abruptly so talk to your doctor or midwife. They can help you to safely slow down or stop.
Talk to your GP, midwife or health worker about giving up alcohol during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.
Check out the the For Aboriginal People pages for videos and other support resources.
