The National FASD in the UK has launched a comprehensive Alcohol & Pregnancy toolkit with several key resources aimed at informing, educating, and supporting both healthcare practitioners and the public on the subject of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

1. E-course for Maternity Teams: A CPD-accredited online course that includes up-to-date guidance, case studies, and interactive techniques. The course covers topics such as alcohol and pregnancy, reasons women may drink while pregnant, understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), effective communication strategies, understanding and recording alcohol consumption, as well as how to support pregnant women with alcohol dependency and those with FASD.
2. Posters: Reversible posters tailored for different audiences, including those planning a pregnancy, pregnant women (whether abstaining or consuming alcohol), younger pregnant women, and those interested in the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure. The posters include space for local contacts and are suitable for various settings.
3. Fast Fact Z Cards for Practitioners: Quick reference cards to keep practitioners updated. These cards provide fast facts about the latest guidance on alcohol in pregnancy, the importance of discussing prenatal alcohol exposure, the teratogenic properties of alcohol, and advice for situations where women are drinking during pregnancy.
4. ‘What You Need to Know’ Leaflets: These leaflets comply with Statement 1 of NICE Quality Standard 204 and are designed for both pregnant women and the general public. They outline the latest guidance on alcohol in pregnancy, potential complications due to alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the baby, advice for pregnant women who have consumed alcohol, and how to recognise FASD.
5. Tabletop Guide for Practitioners: A handy tool designed to assist practitioners in discussing alcohol and pregnancy. This guide includes conversation prompts, the most recent guidance, a drinks chart, and answers to common questions that pregnant women may ask midwives.

Overall, this toolkit equips practitioners and the public with a thorough understanding of the risks and implications of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, aiming to promote healthier behaviours and better outcomes.

Find more from National FASD (UK, July 2023)

Our brand-new Alcohol & Pregnancy toolkit is available for #maternity practitioners! 📢

The #toolkit includes a CPD-accredited e-learning course as well as practical resources to support midwives in #AlcoholAndPregnancy conversations. 🫄

Find out more: https://t.co/KLJ688tyVP pic.twitter.com/3oAK2O1N1R

— National FASD (@NationalFASD) July 6, 2023