Introduction of health labelling for alcohol products will increase awareness of the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Alcohol Action Ireland has highlighted the importance of not drinking alcohol during pregnancy to mark international Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day, September 9. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy carries a risk of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Children born with FAS – the most rare, but most easily recognisable condition on the spectrum – have been exposed to high levels of alcohol throughout the pregnancy and can experience problems with their growth, facial defects, as well as life-long learning and behavioural problems. FASD refers to the wide range of less obvious – but much more common – effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Although children with FASD can look healthy and normal, they can have issues such as sight and hearing difficulties; problems paying attention and following simple directions, as well as other learning difficulties.....