Despite decades of medical consensus, dangerous myths about drinking while pregnant continue to put unborn children at risk across KwaZulu-Natal.
New data from AWARE.org shows that nearly a third of KZN residents wrongly believe Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a genetic condition, while others falsely trust that traditional beer is safe or that low-level drinking carries no harm.
With South Africa bearing some of the world's highest FASD rates, health experts stress the absolute truth: there is no safe type, safe amount, or safe trimester for alcohol during pregnancy.
The study, conducted nationally by Frontline Research Group, reveals a troubling reliance on persistent myths regarding maternal health across the province.
Beyond attributing FASD to genetics, 28% of respondents believe alcohol-related birth defects originate from the father’s sperm, while 20% hold the belief that traditional beer is a safer alternative to other alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.
Crucially, almost a third of respondents believe there is an acceptable, low-level threshold for alcohol intake while carrying a child.
Medical experts stress that these misconceptions contradict fundamental health realities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that there is no safe type, no safe amount and no safe trimester for alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
FASD encompasses a spectrum of lifelong physical, cognitive and behavioural disabilities, yet it remains entirely preventable through total abstinence from alcohol.
The persistent gaps in public understanding carry severe consequences for South Africa, a nation bearing one of the highest estimated FASD prevalence rates in the world, with localised studies placing figures as high as 11%.
The findings were recently addressed in an industry panel hosted by AWARE.org titled Beyond Awareness: Why FASD Persists in South Africa.
Featuring prominent public health voices, including Dr Leana Olivier, CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR), the discussion highlighted how structural inequalities, social stigma and cultural norms converge to exacerbate the issue.
Panellists emphasised that static awareness campaigns are insufficient on their own and that systemic progress requires robust, community-led healthcare delivery.
Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org, pointed out that misinformation thrives precisely where formal healthcare access is limited.
“In many cases, expectant mothers are not only dealing with a lack of access to consistent healthcare information, but also with deeply rooted beliefs circulating within their communities,” Thulo stated.
“When accurate guidance is not easily available, misinformation fills the gap and the consequences can last a lifetime. This is why we need sustained investment in community-level education, alongside stronger, more accessible maternal health services that support women throughout pregnancy.”
Addressing the crisis demands a coordinated shift toward grassroots intervention and clear, evidence-based public health messaging. Through its #SoberPregnancies initiative, AWARE.org is partnering with healthcare practitioners, community caregivers, and families to dismantle long-held myths and expand access to maternal guidance.
Myth vs Fact
Myth: Father's sperm causes alcohol birth defects.
Fact: Alcohol consumed by the father before conception cannot cause FASD. The disorder occurs solely through direct exposure to alcohol in maternal blood during pregnancy.
Myth: Traditional beer, wine or cider is safe.
Fact: The body processes ethanol the same way regardless of the beverage. Ethanol itself is a teratogen (a substance that interferes with normal fetal development).
Myth: Drinking is only dangerous during the first trimester.
Fact: Brain and organ development happens continuously throughout all nine months. Alcohol exposure at any stage can cause irreversible damage to the fetus.
Myth: FASD can be cured or outgrown as a child gets older.
Fact: FASD causes permanent, irreversible brain and physical organ damage. While early interventions and therapies help manage symptoms, the condition is lifelong.
Myth: Morning sickness or nausea remedies containing small amounts of alcohol are harmless.
Fact: Traditional, home, or herbal remedies that contain alcohol carry the same risks of fetal exposure as commercial alcoholic beverages.
Myth: Stopping alcohol use late in pregnancy is pointless if drinking already occurred early on.
Fact: Stopping alcohol consumption at any point during pregnancy immediately improves outcomes, as brain and tissue development continues right up until birth.