September 7, 2018. 

A study by Public Health France has just unveiled alarming figures for the health of babies. A child is born every day in France with disorders caused by fetal alcoholism.

Fetal alcoholism, an underestimated problem

The survey conducted by Public Health France allows us to better draw the contours of this baby health problem. In France, every day a child is born with fetal alcohol disorders. More specifically, the baby shows dysfunctions because of the alcohol consumption of his mother during the nine months of his intrauterine life. 

Premature birth, facial dysmorphia, growth retardation, neurodevelopmental disorders and even mental retardation : these are the risks for babies exposed to alcohol. Underestimated or at least still largely unknown, the survey of Public Health France makes it possible to sensitize the population to fetal alcohol syndrome.

Zero alcohol during pregnancy

In figures, we now know that between 2006 and 2013, 3.207 newborns presented at least one consequence related to fetal alcohol consumption. This represents one birth per day. And yet, It is rather rare that a woman is not warned about the risks associated with alcohol consumption. The public health authorities hammer it home: there is no safe drinking alcohol for the baby, regardless of the period of pregnancy.

Despite these strict guidelines, one in ten women admit to having consumed alcohol occasionally, and yet six in ten knew the risks. Far from throwing stone, this survey aims above all to sensitize women so that they adopt a more responsible behavior in order to protect the little ones and limit the non-genetic mental handicaps of children.

Maylis Choné

You can also read: Zero alcohol during pregnancy?