International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

A new guide has been launched in New Zealand aimed at helping healthcare professionals prevent foetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD), as well as deal with the issues of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Around 500 babies are born with the syndrome each year in the country.

Peter Dunne, the associate health minister, said that unlike many other health risks, FASD is a problem in all parts of society.

Research has shown many GPs feel ill-equipped to cope with alcohol issues and it is hoped the new guide, called Alcohol and Pregnancy: A Practical Guide for Health Professionals, will help them out.

"During pregnancy, however, no level of consumption should be worth the risk to the unborn child - and that is a message that needs to continually be driven home," said Mr Dunne.

This week, in the UK, Labour MP Chris Bryant said schools must provide sex and relationship education classes to pupils in order to address the growing problem of teenage pregnancies in the country.

Posted by Martine Ward