Health Minister warns against alcohol consumption during pregnancy

Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) has appealed to pregnant women to abstain from alcohol. Otherwise there is a risk of incurable damage to the child, she said with a view to the Day of the Alcohol Impaired Child, which is being celebrated this Monday. Experts speak of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). According to the ministry, 500 to 600 children are born with FASD in Saxony every year; nationwide, there are around 10,000 newborns.

Symptoms include malformations, growth retardation, organic diseases, learning difficulties, developmental disorders and behavioral problems. The damage cannot be cured and affects those affected for the rest of their lives, it said. Köpping urged pregnant women: "Enjoy every day of your pregnancy - for the health of your child, please do not drink alcohol!"