More than 60 per cent of women continue to drink alcohol while pregnant, according to a new survey.
The survey is the largest study of its kind ever conducted in Ireland, and the findings were unveiled by Minister for Health Mary Harney in the Coombe Women's Hospital this morning.
It examines trends in the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and drugs by over 120,000 pregnant women during the past two decades.
Dr Siobhán Barry
Irish and UK-born mothers were more likely to report themselves as consuming more than six units of alcohol a week compared with EU and non-EU nationals. A total of 7.1 per cent of those surveyed admitted to drinking more than six units of alcohol per week.
The highest percentage category reporting drinking over 10 units per week was the 18-24 year-olds, while more than two-thirds of all pregnant under-18 year olds reported drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
The survey also showed that in 2005, the most recent year for which there is data, over 45 per cent of smokers did not give up during pregnancy. Younger mothers were less likely to stop smoking than their older counterparts.
Although the use of illicit drugs during pregnancy was far more infrequent, nearly 5 per cent of all pregnant women surveyed used some form of drug.
Further evidence from the study also shows that the highest rates of low birth weight are in heavy smokers and users of illicit drugs.
Dr Siobhán Barry, visiting psychiatrist at the Coombe and lead researcher on the study, said that alcohol consumption patterns in pregnancy give particular cause for concern.
"More efforts are required to enable pregnant women and women who are contemplating pregnancy to make healthier choices. Consumption of psychoactive substances such as alcohol or illicit drugs and tobacco is best avoided in pregnancy," she said.
Dr Barry believes that some of the results of this study are "so striking that they cannot be ignored."
Dr Chris Fitzpatrick, Master of the Coombe, said the issue of alcohol in pregnancy had to be taken far more seriously. "As the first report of its kind in the country, it also highlights the importance of conducting research in this area if we are to protect the next generation of Irish children," he said.
IBEC's Drinks Manufacturers of Ireland (DMI), the representative body for the alcohol manufacturing sector said it was concerned at the findings of the Coombe survey.
"The results from the Coombe study highlight the need for a comprehensive response to raise awareness and educate women about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. It also reinforces the importance of alcohol education at a broader level," said Rosemary Garth, Director of DMI.
Ms Garth said the industry would urge the use of proven strategies to build awareness and moderate behaviour.
"The drinks industry fully recognises the importance of information and awareness programmes on the effects of harmful drinking and on responsible patterns of consumption," she added.