The effects of alcohol use during pregnancy is an issue that is gaining increasing attention in Australia.  Drinking for Two? asks the question: "Is it safe to drink at all when you're pregnant?"

Through the use of two case examples, Krystal and Seth and their families, this documentary gives insight into the physical, social, and behavioural impacts of alcohol exposure in pregnancy.  Rather than answer the question, "is it safe to drink at all when you're pregnant?", it shows how alcohol exposure during pregnancy can manifest in the lives of those with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.  This documentary also draws on the expertise of Professor Elizabeth Elliott and Ms Lorian Hayes to highlight the importance of identifying and diagnosing conditions within Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and of primary prevention through community-based education.

This documentary raises some important issues that surround the issue of alcohol use during pregnancy, and its effects on the unborn child.  It demonstrates the confusion that exists for pregnant women around how much they can drink, if at all.  It evidences that the impact of alcohol exposure may not be seen at birth but may show up as the child gets older and that diagnosis can be dependent on health professionals' awareness and knowledge. It also shows that diagnosis can be important for both the individual and their family in understanding why the individual has the behaviour and capacity to cope with everyday life that they do, and recognising that additional support is crucial to their wellbeing.

Through its case examples, Drinking for Two? serves to comment on the challenge of having people aware of the effects of alcohol use in pregnancy.  It shows that the conditions within Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, although they can significantly affect an individuals ability to learn, behave appropriately, be employed and independent, can go unrecognised as the individuals may show up as 'normal'; appearance, verbal ability and IQ.

The detail is scant about how alcohol affects the development of the fetus, and what the risks are for poor child outcomes.  We were sorry that the documentary did not give clear guidance, namely "if you are planning a pregnancy, don't drink"; "if you are pregnant and have been drinking, stop" and "if you are unable to consider abstinence during pregnancy, seek help".  However this documentary does provide a 'real' and 'human' perspective of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.  The viewer is left with thoughts about the implications for individuals and families if these conditions are going unrecognised and undiagnosed.  It also points to the importance of community and professional awareness raising about the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy, especially in a culture where alcohol consumption is a celebrated and much loved past-time.

- Kathryn France
Alcohol and Pregnancy Project Officer
Division of Population Sciences
Telethon Institute for Child Health Research

Your documentary highlights the importance of health professionals understanding the effects of alcohol in the antenatal period and I commend you on the quality of the documentary and the use of key experts to inform your membership.

- Gill Callister
Executive Director
Office for Children
Department of Human Services, Victoria

In an article entitled Alcohol in pregnancy: how safe is it?, Clinical Geneticist Ian R Walpole from King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth reviews the Drinking for Two? DVD on the The Medical Journal of Australia's eMJA website.

Read Ian's DVD review on eMJA.