Last ned - Helsedirektoratet

effects in a population is almost certainly increased, but this need not apply to every member
of the population.
-Certain. Effects have been shown through randomised and controlled intervention studies
on human beings. Studies with this kind of scientific strength of evidence are only available
for one time exposure due to ethical problems. It is certain that exposure on a population
level increases risk, but this need not apply to every member of the population.
In summary, alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital
malformations, abnormal facial features, retarded growth, brain damage, behavioural
disturbances and cognitive problems in the child. Low alcohol intake is particularly
associated with cognitive problems and behavioural disturbances. The problems are
irreversible.
Research now unequivocally shows that
• There is no safe lower limit for alcohol intake during pregnancy
• Even small amounts of alcohol can have a long-term negative influence on the
behavioural and cognitive development of the child.
• The problems are lifelong
Damage to the child caused by alcohol is preventable. The committee therefore
recommends the following:
1. Pregnant women should not drink alcohol
2. Pregnant women who have already consumed alcohol during pregnancy
should stop drinking to minimise further risk
3. Women who plan to get pregnant should not drink alcohol.
Screening of alcohol habits
• Screening of alcohol habits should be part of a regular routine at the first maternity
medical check-up and repeated throughout the pregnancy.
• There are simple screening instruments available that are practical to use and
improve information about alcohol consumption considerably compared to ordinary
routine questions. Pregnant women have proved to be willing to answer such
questions.
• Training in the use of these instruments is simple and can easily be learned by
midwives and doctors. It is recommended that such screening instruments are part of
the routine at maternity check-ups.
Recommendations in case of continued alcohol consumption
• Pregnant women who continue to drink after recommendations of abstinence should
be offered frequent maternity check-ups to motivate for abstinence.
• Women who do not quickly take advantage of this help, are referred to reinforced
outpatient clinics or specialised services for pregnant women.
• If policlinic support is not sufficient, one should motivate the woman to accept
admission to a treatment facility for pregnant women with substance abuse problems.
• For women who do not accept relevant help, and whose alcohol intake is of such a
nature that it is highly probable that the child will be born with injuries, the Social
Services Act on use of forced admission for treatment of pregnant women with
substance abuse problems applies.
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