Proposal for expectant mums to undergo alcohol testing during pregnancy passed

The proposal suggests taking urine samples during routine check-ups.

A new proposal is calling for expectant mothers to undergo alcohol testing during routine check-ups in order to give doctors the chance to “stage an intervention” has been passed by the Irish Medical Organisation. The hope is the introduction of alcohol testing will, in turn, reduce the number of cases of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders in the country after it was revealed that Ireland is in the top three countries worldwide for incidences of the disorders. The symptoms of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders can range from low IQ to behavioural problems. “Women have been getting mixed messages about drinking during pregnancy,” former Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) president, Dr Ann Hogan told The Irish Times of the proposal. “Doing this test will give doctors an opportunity to stage an intervention. It will tell the true incidence of what is going on. “All pregnant women at every checkup usually bring in a urine sample to test for a range of things, including protein and infection to ensure that they remain well during their pregnancy. “It’s possible to also test for.. one of the metabolites of alcohol that would be present for up to 10 days after a bout of drinking.” The new plan was passed at the IMO’s annual conference over the weekend.