title: Alcohol problems in pregnancy and childhood--where do we go from here?
abstract: The awareness of potential damage to the foetus caused by maternal drinking during pregnancy creates the need for a planned programme of education for young women of childbearing age. Prevention of foetal damage might best be achieved by commencing the education process with schoolchildren and adolescents but preconception and antenatal clinics must necessarily be 'foci of attention'. Thought must be directed to the content of the material presented and efforts made to tailor the information for target groups. A prime need is the proper instruction of all those who will be involved as educators to ensure a balanced approach. Primary prevention must be the mainstay of our efforts in the management of obstetric, neonatal and developmental problems resulting from alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011322:Primary Prevention
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol