Alcohol Use in Pregnancy a Major Threat to Babies’ Health – Here’s Why

Public health experts are warning about a devastating but entirely preventable crisis: alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), the most severe outcome of prenatal alcohol exposure, continues to scar children’s lives permanently — even though it is avoidable.

ALSO READ: Mashatile Urges Stronger HIV Treatment Access at AIDS Conference in Gauteng

Understanding the Risk

When a mother drinks, alcohol passes directly from her bloodstream through the placenta into her unborn child. Unlike adults, the foetus cannot break down alcohol. Even small amounts can disrupt normal growth and brain development, leaving lifelong damage.

The World Health Organization (WHO) links alcohol use in pregnancy to miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm births, and a wide range of disabilities grouped under Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Children born with FAS often struggle with:

• learning and memory difficulties,
• behavioural and concentration problems,
• delayed motor and social skills,
• facial abnormalities, and
• stunted growth.

These effects are permanent and irreversible.

“In this case, we are not simply discussing avoiding a glass of wine. There is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy,” stressed Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. “No matter whether you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, the safest option is to avoid alcohol entirely.”

The Weight of the Crisis in Gauteng

South Africa ranks among the countries with the highest rates of FASD in the world. While Gauteng has limited official data, health authorities believe alcohol use during pregnancy is driving a large share of developmental delays, disabilities, and birth defects across communities.

The impact stretches far beyond affected children. Families, schools, and healthcare systems carry the heavy costs. “A child with FASD may struggle for life, and the ripple effects touch parents, siblings, teachers, and broader society,” explained a Johannesburg paediatrician.

Why Pregnant Women Still Drink

Behind every statistic is a human story. Health workers in Gauteng say women often turn to alcohol during pregnancy for reasons such as:

• Stress and poverty, using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
• Peer and cultural pressure, where drinking feels normal.
• Misinformation, with some believing small amounts are harmless.
• Poor access to healthcare, where antenatal education comes too late.

These realities show that warnings alone cannot stop the crisis. Women need education, community support, and accessible healthcare.

Early Care Saves Lives

The Gauteng Department of Health is urging women to seek antenatal care early. Clinics and community health centres offer free services that can identify risks and provide vital support.

“Pregnant women who come to clinics early receive education, nutrition advice, and interventions that prevent complications,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. “The earlier the mother comes for antenatal care, the healthier the start for both mother and child.”

Breaking Stigma Through Support

Stigma silences many pregnant women who drink. Fearing judgment, they avoid seeking help. Civil society groups argue that the focus must shift from shame to support.

Current Gauteng campaigns highlight empowerment and informed choices. Local schools, NGOs, and faith organisations now host programmes that teach families about the dangers of FASD and create safe spaces for women to ask for help without fear.

A Call for Community Action

Drinking while pregnant is not just a personal matter — it is a public health emergency. Reducing FASD rates requires collaboration among families, communities, and government.

The Gauteng Department of Health has already launched awareness campaigns, community workshops, and media drives. Clinics are being encouraged to screen for risky behaviour and link women to support groups and counselling.

Final Word: Saving the Next Generation

Alcohol use during pregnancy is 100% preventable. But prevention depends on communities taking action, not just hearing the message. For Gauteng, where thousands of children already face the burden of FASD, the time to act is now.

Here’s how you can help protect babies’ futures in Gauteng:

• Support pregnant women and encourage alcohol-free lifestyles.
• Share accurate information with family, friends, and colleagues.
• Challenge harmful drinking environments in your community.
• Encourage pregnant women to attend antenatal visits early.

Every mother deserves to bring a healthy baby into the world. Every child deserves a chance to grow, learn, and thrive without preventable obstacles. Together, Gauteng can turn the tide against FASD — one informed decision, one supportive community, and one healthy pregnancy at a time.