Every drink of alcohol could lead to potential impacts for the child
In a concern that affects many families across Germany, self-help groups have been formed in Gotha and Jena to support those affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The most common congenital disability, FASD, is caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and its effects can have lifelong consequences for the children.
On September 9, 2025, World Day for Alcohol-Affected Children, a specialized conference was held in Thuringia to create better information offers for pregnant women. The head of the Department of Obstetrics at Leipzig University Hospital, Holger Stepan, stated that there is no threshold below which alcohol is not dangerous for the newborn.
In Saxony, hundreds of newborns are born each year with alcohol damage, a figure that is likely much higher due to the 'dark figure' of FASD cases. The damage is not always immediately recognizable after birth, and the health effects are sometimes only noticed years later.
The current radio broadcast on this topic is available on the website at 14:30 Uhr, while the ARD Mediathek currently has a video on the subject. Sarah Kornmann, the Director of the Thuringian State Office for Addiction Issues, mentioned that around 10,000 children are affected by FASD in Germany every year due to their mothers drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
In addition to physical and mental impairments caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, those affected often have to fight for recognition. Facial changes and malformations are the most severe forms of damage from alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Researchers in Vienna have shown that if pregnant women drink, it can change the structure of the baby's brain and delay development.
In Thuringia, there is no specialized FASD center as a contact point for targeted diagnostics. However, there are several organizations and initiatives in Germany that focus on preventing FASD and conducting informative events. These typically include health departments, addiction prevention advisory services, and specialized institutions that focus on perinatal health.
For more precise information, it would be helpful to contact local health departments or organizations in the health prevention sector in Thuringia directly. It is crucial for expectant mothers to be informed about the health risks for their children due to alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Stepan also mentioned that alcohol must be completely avoided during pregnancy.
Affected children may struggle with concentration problems, learning difficulties, or behavioral issues. If you or someone you know is affected by FASD, it is important to seek help and support from the various resources available.
