Pre-conception

Abstinence from alcohol is NOT just the mother’s responsibility!

Historically, limiting alcohol consumption during preconception was generally considered the prospective mother’s responsibility (1), as they will potentially be carrying the baby for the next 9 months within their uterus. However, research reveals that alcohol consumption by both prospective parents influence the progression and outcome of the pregnancy.

Alcohol is a known factor to cause malformations of the embryo during pregnancy (2), most notably Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). It is also a preventable factor.

Read more about the effects of prenatal alcohol use here.

Drinking alcohol typically reduces both men and women’s fertility. Drinking 1-5 standard drinks a week can reduce a woman’s chance of conceiving (3). Alcohol consumption also has an impact on sperm development (1). Men drinking 10 or more standard drinks a week during preconception period have a 2-5 times increased likelihood of spontaneous abortion.

Therefore, both prospective parents hold a responsibility for limiting alcohol consumption during the preconception period. Alcohol-exposed pregnancies increases the chances of malformations and abnormal infant health factors, such as low birth weight. If a mother does experience such a pregnancy, they will become more susceptible to feelings of guilt and emotional trauma as a result (1).

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with depression, you can speak to your GP, contact your local health care services or call a helpline.
Lifeline: 131 114

Thus, the innate assumption that mothers are solely responsible for foetal alcohol exposure is a dangerous ideology for both parties – parents and children. It is important to raise awareness that alcohol consumption from both mothers and fathers alike can harm the child and can contribute to a mother’s feeling of guilt.

Read more:

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with alcohol dependency, you can speak to your GP, contact your local health care services or call a helpline. There are trained telephone counsellors available in every Australian state and territory.

DrugInfo: 1300 858 584

Family Drug Helpline: 1300 368 186

Parentline: 1300 301 300

Lifeline: 131 114

Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS):

  • Australian Capital Territory Alcohol & Drug Program: 02 6205 4545
  • New South Wales: 02 9361 8000 (Sydney) or 1800 422 599 (NSW regional and rural)
  • Northern Territory Alcohol & Other Drug Services: 1800 629 683 (NT general) or 08 8922 8399 (Darwin) or 08 8951 7580 (Alice Springs)
  • Queensland ADIS: 07 3837 5989 or 1800 177 833
  • South Australia ADIS: 08 8363 8618 or 1300 131 340
  • Tasmania ADIS: 03 6233 6722 or 1800 811 994
  • Victoria Directline: 1800 888 236
  • Western Australia ADIS: 08 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024 or for parents: 08 9442 5050, 1800 653 203 (WA only)

References:

  1. McBride N, Johnson S. Fathers and alcohol. Implications for preconception, pregnancy, infant and childhood health outcomes. [Internet] 2016 [updated 2019 Apr 8; cited 2019 May 21]; Available from: http://www.connections.edu.au/researchfocus/fathers-and-alcohol-implications-preconception-pregnancy-infant-and-childhood-health.
  2. Lassi ZS, Imam AM, Dean SV, Bhutta ZA. Preconception care: caffeine, smoking, alcohol, drugs and other environmental chemical/radiation exposure. Reproductive Health. 2014;11(3):s(6).
  3. The FASD Prevention Conversation. Alcohol, Contraception and Preconception. [Internet] 2019 [updated 2019 Feb 12; cited 2019 May 20]; Available from: https://preventionconversation.org/what-you-need-to-know/alcohol-contraception-and-preconception/

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