Antenatal alcohol exposure: An East Anglian study of midwives' knowledge and practice.

Objective: To study midwives’ knowledge, practice and opinions regarding advice about fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and alcohol intake in pregnancy. Design: A postal questionnaire was sent to 1862 midwives employed in 13 NHS Trusts in East Anglia, incorporating city and rural areas. Results: The authors received responses from 33.5% of the midwives contacted (n=624), of which 98% stated that alcohol abstinence in pregnancy would be their preferred advice, and 38% had seen an infant with FAS. Less than 2% indicated that they were ‘very prepared’ to deal with the subject. Only 10% identified all four classic features of FAS. Conclusions: More than a third of midwives had seen an infant with FAS. The advice given to pregnant mothers by participants varied. The midwives stated that they would like more information and support. Implications for practice: Expansion of midwives’ knowledge should improve the quality of antenatal advice, leading to better prevention, intervention and recognition of FASD in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]