The Italian Society of Neonatology warns: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are the leading cause of intellectual disability in children in high-income countries, but 100% preventable
What are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) include a range of physical and neurobehavioral abnormalities caused by alcohol exposure in pregnancy. The most severe form, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), is marked by facial malformations, microcephaly, growth deficits, and severe cognitive delays.
According to the Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN), around 120,000 babies are born worldwide each year with FASD, including 2,500 in Italy. It is the leading cause of intellectual disability in children in high-income countries – yet it is 100% preventable by abstaining from alcohol.
The risks of alcohol in pregnancy and breastfeeding
As Dr. Luigi Memo of SIN emphasizes, there is no safe level of consumption: even a single glass of wine or beer can harm the fetus.
Recent data shows:
- 15% of pregnant women in Italy consumed alcohol during pregnancy;
- 18% of mothers drank during breastfeeding, with higher prevalence in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.
Why it’s a cultural issue
Europe has the highest alcohol consumption in the world, twice the global average. In Italy, a 2020 survey found that 66% of women of childbearing age consumed alcohol. Over 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, increasing the risk of involuntary fetal exposure.
“It is necessary to fight the cultural tolerance toward alcohol, even among healthcare professionals,” stresses Prof. Massimo Agosti, president of SIN.
Research and prevention
The Italian Ministry of Health has funded a two-year project coordinated by the National Institute of Health (ISS), led by Dr. Adele Minutillo, to monitor alcohol use in pregnancy among women aged 18–24.
Early diagnosis is crucial: children exposed to alcohol need multidisciplinary care including medical, psychological, speech therapy, physical therapy, and special education support.
Conclusion
The message from the Italian Society of Neonatology is unequivocal: the only way to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders is complete abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy and conception planning. No exceptions, no safe moderate consumption.