MIDDLEWICH MP Fiona Bruce has helped launch a new campaign to highlight the rise in Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) among children and new born babies.

The FASD trust, which Mrs Bruce works with as chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm, is the UK’s leading charity raising awareness of the condition.

The campaign, which will carry the message ‘My Baby’s Too Young to Drink’, was launched this month to drive home the message that women should stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

It will also target midwives and health professionals, who can play a critical part in influencing pregnant women.

Mrs Bruce said: “As chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm I find it very sad that many expectant mothers still do not realise the damage that even a small amount of alcohol can cause if consumed during pregnancy as pregnant women’s individual tolerance levels vary enormously.

“Much more needs to be done, including by Government, to publicise the clear recommendation of the Government’s own chief medical officer, announced earlier this year – and clearing up decades of misinformation – that pregnant women should avoid alcohol altogether.

“The FASD Trust’s campaign is vital in involving midwives in helping educate expectant mothers to help prevent potential physical, metal or behavioural difficulties for their children after birth.”