REAL LIFE: “Why I said no to alcohol throughout my pregnancies”

Expert Advice 05 Sep 23 By

(Image: Supplied)

“A healthy baby is never a given”

By Gretel Bueta

To be honest, before I was even planning to get pregnant with my first son, I too was pretty naïve about what I should and shouldn’t do. While I always knew it was best to avoid alcohol when planning a pregnancy or when pregnant, it wasn’t until I consulted with my doctor when my husband and I were planning my pregnancy that I actually found why it was so important.

My doctor educated us about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (also known as FASD) and its effects. This reaffirmed to me that an alcohol-free pregnancy could help my baby have the best start in life.

What is FASD?

FASD is a condition that can affect the brain and development of children who are exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. According to leading Australian Obstetrician Dr Vicki Carson, prenatal exposure to alcohol can reduce the size and weight of the fetal brain. It can also directly damage regions of a baby’s brain that are critical for learning, memory, behaviour, language and decision-making.

Dr Vicki Carson believes all Australians need to know that FASD can be avoided by making the choice to not drink alcohol when trying to conceive, when pregnant or when breastfeeding. 

“An alcohol-free pregnancy could help my baby have the best start in life.” (Image: Supplied)

DrinkWise’s latest research found awareness is improving with almost nine out of 10 (87%) of Australian women aged 18-44 agreeing that no amount of alcohol should be consumed during any stage of pregnancy, which is significantly higher than previous years (82% in 2022, 76% in 2019). While it is reassuring to see that statistics are trending in the right direction, education efforts are crucial as only 58% of Australians are aware that FASD is 100% preventable.

Support pregnant women to abstain from alcohol

For this reason, as a new mum-of-two beautiful boys, I decided to partner with DrinkWise ahead of this year’s International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day on Saturday 9 September. I really wanted to lend my voice to support this message and encourage other mums and mums-to-be to not drink alcohol when trying for a baby, when pregnant or if breastfeeding, as it’s important that everyone knows about FASD, including friends and family who can support pregnant women to abstain from alcohol. 

“It’s important that everyone knows about FASD.” (Image: Supplied)

Seek support from others

I was lucky to be surrounded by such a supportive community during both my pregnancies including my husband, my family, my friends and my netball family. My sweet husband, Niko even decided to not drink alcohol for part of my pregnancy journey as a way of supporting me, so that made it easier too. 

Being a mother is sometimes the hardest job on the planet – and every mum wants to take care of their kids. Making healthy choices has always been a priority for me and my family, especially as a nutritionist and professional athlete. Not drinking alcohol during this time was a really important decision for me to make, especially since a healthy baby is never a given and I wanted to give our babies the best start to life possible. 

I’d encourage any mums or mums-to-be to reach out to their doctors, obstetricians or midwives if they have any questions about FASD.

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