"No alcohol during pregnancy": Friends and family can help

In observance of World Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day on September 9, Santé publique France is raising awareness among women and their loved ones about the various risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Since 2015, campaigns have recommended, as a precaution, abstaining from consuming any alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. In this regard, loved ones can be a tremendous source of support for the women concerned.

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Prevention: The people around pregnant women have a role to play

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is toxic to the fetus and can lead to various complications (growth retardation, damage to the central nervous system, birth defects, etc.), of which fetal alcohol syndrome is the most severe.

Starting September 9 and throughout the month, Santé publique France is launching a new information campaign to promote the message “As a precaution, zero alcohol during pregnancy.” The campaign is based on an educational, transparent, and accessible message aimed at raising awareness of the risks without making women feel guilty.

It includes:

  • A TV commercial developed in partnership with the M6 Group’s channels. It features the two hosts Norbert Tarayre and Julia Vignali. As parents themselves, they share how the support of loved ones (family, friends) is essential in helping pregnant women stay abstinent despite the many temptations they face throughout their pregnancy (social outings, celebrations, etc.).

  • A major digital component with a highlight on September 9 and a continuous campaign through the end of the month to promote abstinence as a precaution, with a particular focus on occasional alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

For overseas territories, Santé publique France is implementing a supplementary campaign featuring a radio spot and posters.

A well-received and motivational campaign

Santé publique France assesses public perception through “post-tests” of each of its campaigns. The “Alcohol and Pregnancy 2018” campaign was deemed effective in encouraging people to stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy by 88% of residents in mainland France and 75% of residents in the overseas departments and regions (DROM) who were exposed to it. Furthermore, nearly nine out of ten people reported that the campaign encouraged them to advise pregnant women in their social circles not to drink alcohol.

Alcool Info Service, Santé publique France’s remote support service, is still available

Questions about alcohol use? Need to talk about it? The Alcool Info Service remote support service (phone and online) is available 7 days a week to provide: