Blackpool Council Annual Health Report 2019 Blackpool Council Annual Health Report PAGES | Page 16

16 ALCOHOL AND DRUGS Alcohol exposure during pregnancy is considered one of the main preventable cause of birth defects and a diverse range of developmental disorders known collectively as Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Harm caused by alcohol in pregnancy is significantly higher in Blackpool than the national average and is amongst the highest in the country. Members of the Public Health team and The Better Start Partnership have been conducting research to investigate local perspectives on the issue to better inform interventions to reduce alcohol consumption in pregnancy. As a result of this research, a 12-month media campaign was launched in November 2018, featuring a local Mum, Dad, Nan and best friend dressed as superheroes with the aim to reduce the number of alcohol exposed pregnancies in Blackpool. The PREGNANCY PARTNERSHIP CLINIC was developed in conjunction with obstetricians, anaesthetists, midwives and addiction specialists to provide a multi-agency and person-centred approach to manage pregnancy in women with addiction issues. Women attend the clinic four weekly and are also offered weekly or fortnightly appointments with their key worker and a specialist midwife at Horizon. Referrals to additional support for domestic violence and mental health support are made as needed. The clinic facilitates delivery of high intensity behaviour change interventions, which are critically important at this stage in a woman’s addiction to support safe delivery of a healthy baby and to provide the woman with the best possible opportunities to lead a healthier lifestyle for her and her family.