Last ned - Helsedirektoratet

Summary
In recent years, a number of articles have been published on the effects of alcohol on the
foetus, and health authorities in a number of countries have published reports on pregnancy
and alcohol. The focus has shifted from the consequences of high intake of alcohol during
pregnancy to the effects of moderate to low consumption of alcohol on the foetus. Based on
research from recent years, it is now clear that there is no safe lower limit for alcohol
intake during pregnancy. Alcohol can damage the foetus in all phases of pregnancy,
the damage is irreversible, can cause a wide range of effects and is totally
preventable. A number of countries have now taken this knowledge into account and
recommend total abstinence throughout pregnancy.
Because of the new knowledge on pregnancy and alcohol, the Directorate for Health and
Social Affairs has appointed a fast-working committee with a mandate to consider the
prevention of damage caused by alcohol intake during pregnancy, as well as examination
and treatment of such damage. The group has gone through relevant literature with regard to
strict requirements for scientific strength of evidence as well as reports on alcohol and
pregnancy from other countries.
FAS/FAE
Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is characterised by specific facial features (smooth philtrum,
narrow upper lip and short palpebral fissures), growth retardation and central nervous system
abnormalities. These abnormalities may include growth restriction of the brain and/or
problems with intellectual development, behaviour disturbances, and learning disabilities.
The children may also have other congenital malformations, e.g. congenital heart defects.
FAS is particularly associated with high alcohol consumption during the first trimester of
pregnancy. Children with foetal alcohol effects (FAE) have the same central nervous system
abnormalities however they have normal facial features. Both groups may have been
exposed to alcohol throughout pregnancy, but due to normal facial features, FAE is more
difficult to diagnose.
There was a great deal of attention to FAS in Norway after the syndrome became known
here in the 1980s, and there were campaigns on the importance of reducing alcohol
consumption during pregnancy. Since then there has been relatively little focus on the issue
from central authorities. At the same time the media have focused on reports that alcohol
may have a positive effect on a number of diseases in adults. This has contributed to
creating an impression that alcohol is harmless or even healthy.
Alcohol intake, young women and pregnancy
A number of national and international studies have discovered a steep increase in young
people’s alcohol consumption over the last decade. The greatest increase is found among
young people of fertile age. They drink more frequently than before and also have higher
alcohol intake when they drink. Recent studies from Scandinavian countries show that many
women have hazardous alcohol intake during pregnancy, even before they know they are
pregnant. As an example, a study from Denmark found that 40% of pregnant women had
had episodes of binge drinking (5 glasses or more on one drinking occasion). A Swedish
study found that 87% of pregnant women were drinking alcohol during the first trimester,
17% of them had a hazardous consumption. Binge drinking is considered particularly harmful
to the foetus.
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