Only one in three pregnant women in Switzerland stops drinking
Only a third of pregnant and breastfeeding women are following the Federal Office of Public Health’s guidelines on giving up alcohol completely, a report has found.
“There are around 6% of pregnant or breastfeeding women in Switzerland who are drinking four or more glasses of alcohol on one occasion at least once a month. This means really drinking too much. And this is probably the highest risk to the child,” Meury said.
The latest addiction monitoring report was based on interviews that took place from 2011-2016. Until recently, moderate drinking – the odd glass of wine or beer – was not considered harmful to an unborn or newborn child.
“The latest studies have put this in doubt,” Meury said. “Nowadays we reckon that around 2% of newborns in Switzerland are born with alcohol use disorders.”
Raising awareness
As September 9 is International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) DayExternal link, Addiction Switzerland is using the occasion to raise awareness of the risks linked to drinking during pregnancy. FAS can cause brain damage and growth problems.
Meury said that moving in social circles that don’t encourage drinking is key for expectant mothers, and that doctors should better explain the risks linked to alcohol to their patients.
Thomas Eggimann, board member of the Swiss Society for Gynecology and ObstetricsExternal link, told SRF that Swiss gynaecologists are currently revising their strategy on the issue. He said more weight should be given to prevention work in this area.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Alarm raised over drinking alcohol in pregnancy
This content was published on
It launched its information campaign on Wednesday, as September 9 is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness DayExternal link. FASD is a range of harm to unborn babies which includes damage to the brain, heart, eyes and other organs. The child can, for example, experience delayed growth or behavioural problems. Up to 19% of…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.