One in three Australian women do not understand how alcohol affects an unborn baby and about the same number say they will drink through their next pregnancy, a national survey has found. Child health experts have labelled as “frightening” new results which clearly show many women of child-bearing age have no idea that drinking in pregnancy can inflict serious, long-term physical and mental damage on a child. The unpublished study showed that more than a third of 1103 Australian women questioned in a telephone survey did not know about the adverse effects of alcohol on the foetus. Study leader Dr Elizabeth Peadon, from the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit, said the figures highlight the need for ongoing education for women and alcohol drinking in pregnancy. Affected babies can grow up with birth defects, neurodevelopment problems and, in the worst case, foetal alcohol syndrome, a severe disorder linked to a raft of physical and mental problems. read more

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Russia’s ambassador to Baghdad, Vladimir Chamov, today confirmed that a Russian journalist has been killed in Iraq. Russian photographer Dmitry Chebotayev more. Should sessions of parliament/government be broadcasted live? Please read the terms of use when you can benefit from our services. read more

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Find health news and information important to you and your family. Burns are common accidents around the house. While a third-degree burn is a medical emergency, many minor first and second-degree burns can be treated at home. Click here for the privacy policy , terms of use . read more

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