"No alcohol during pregnancy is the safest choice" is the message going out across Western Australia, with an online pregnant pause held on Monday, September 9.
Hosted by the Bunbury Districts Local Drug Action Group, the event will coincide with International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness day.
International FASD Awareness Day is observed in September each year.
The club pauses for 99 seconds, to recognise the nine months in which alcohol and pregnancy do not mix.
The 'Pregnant Pause' provides an opportunity for community members to participate and engage in the conversation about alcohol consumption whilst pregnant.
The event also symbolises that alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a community issue, and not just a concern for women.
FASD is a preventable condition caused by alcohol use during pregnancy as well as breastfeeding, which can lead to permanent problems for the children such as developmental delays, poor growth, failure to thrive, birth defects including heart and liver disease, abnormal brain function, poor coordination, distinguished facial features, and behavioural problems.
"The Pregnant Pause is also intended to remind women that not drinking alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding is the safest choice to ensure a health pregnancy and baby," Bunbury Districts Local Drug Action Group convenor Lozz Williams said.
"For women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding, not drinking alcohol is the safest choice.
"There has also been new development in research to support men planning a pregnancy with their partners to also abstain from alcohol consumption during this period."
The Bunbury Districts Local Drug Action Group provides important information to people all over the South-West.
"There is confusion whether small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding are safe," she said.
"However, health experts state that there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during these stages of a child's growth and development.
"For women who have already consumed alcohol during pregnancy, it is important to know that there are benefits for stopping alcohol use right away.
"If women are concerned about their alcohol use during pregnancy, they can speak to a health professional or call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service."
Contact the Alcohol and Drug Support Line on 9442 5000. People in regional areas can call toll free on 1800 198 024.
Visit the Bunbury Districts Local Drug Action Group's Facebook page, facebook.com/BUNBURYLDAG/, for more information.
