Human and Social Biology

SBA
THE EFFECTS OF DRINKING ALCOHOL DURING
PREGNANCY ON THE MOTHER AND FETUS

Candidate Names: Kianna Smith

Candidate Number: 1005621265
Center Number: 100562
Year of Examination:2025 JUNE
Institution:Irwin High School
Teacher’s Name: Miss Gentles
TABLE OF CONTENT

Background/Overview of issues Page…...3

Problem Statement Page……...4

Purpose of Study Page…….….5

Methodology Page…….……...6
Presentation of data Page……………..7
Pie Chart Page………………8
Analysis And Interpretation Page………………….9

Conclusion and Recommendation Page…………………….10

Reflection Page…………….……………11
Appendix Page……………………………..12
Bibliography Page………………………………13

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BACKGROUND/OVERVIEW OF ISSUE
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is a serious health concern that
affects both the mother and the developing fetus. According to World
Health Organization (WHO) approximately 10% of pregnant women
worldwide consume alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol consumption
during pregnancy can lead to serve and long-lasting consequences for
both the mother and fetus. For the mother risks include miscarriage,
stillbirth, premature labor, and nutritional deficiencies. For fetus risks
include Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), growth restrictions, facial
abnormalities, and central nervous systems dysfunction. Abstinence
from alcohol during pregnancy is a fundamental choice to ensure your
baby is safe, and healthy during pregnancy.

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PROBLEM STATEMENT
How does alcohol consumption affects the mother and fetus during
pregnancy in the parish of St. James?

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PURPOSE OF STUDY
The purpose of the study is to determine the effects of drinking
alcohol during pregnancy on the mother and fetus, to investigate
the causes of drinking alcohol during pregnancy also to
determine possible solutions combat the effects of drinking
alcohol during pregnancy on the mother and fetus.

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METHODOLOGY
For this research, the sample will consist of 20 people aged 18-35 to
provide a perspective on the effects of alcohol consumption during
pregnancy. A sample refers to a group of individuals selected from a larger
population to take part in a study.
My group decided to use the questionnaire method to collect our data to
be presented. A questionnaire is a set of structured questions with fixed
answers. We chose this method because it offered a fast, effective, and
inexpensive means of gathering large amounts of information and, also,
they are often left unanswered as some people may not want to be honest.
We decided to hand out the questionnaires in total. There were 20
questionnaires in total and it took us five days to collect all the
questionnaires. One limitation of the data coordination method we used is
social-desirability bias meaning that participants may distort their answers
to be more socially acceptable.
Questionnaire
The three main questions asked were:
What causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) in a fetus?
What is one potential effect of alcohol consumption during pregnancy on
the fetus?
Which of the following is the best way it prevents fetal alcohol spectrum
disorders?

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PRESENTATION OF DATA
Table showing Causes and Effects of drinking alcohol
during pregnancy on the mother and fetus.

Causes of Alcohol # Of People Affected

Consumption
Pregnancy Cravings 8
Lack of awareness about the 5
risks
Poor maternal diet or lifestyle 4
Ignoring medical 3
advice
Total 20

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Pie Chart Showing the Percentage of
Residents Effected by Alcohol Consumption
During Pregnancy

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Analysis and Interpretation
The table outlines the main causes of alcohol consumption during
pregnancy and the number of people affected by each factor. Pregnancy
cravings are the most common reason (8 people), followed by lack of
awareness about the risks (5), poor maternal diet or lifestyle (4), and
ignoring medical advice (3). These factors contribute to a total of 20
cases. In addition to the pie chart, the table further details the harmful
effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, breaking them down
by specific complications and their prevalence. It reinforces the data
from the pie chart by providing a clear comparison of different risks,
including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (40%), low birth weight and
premature birth (25%), cognitive and behavioral issues (20%), and
maternal health risks (15%). The table may also include additional
details such as specific symptoms, long-term consequences, or statistical
comparisons to highlight trends in prenatal alcohol [Link],
the pie chart and table provide a comprehensive overview, visually and
numerically emphasizing the severe consequences of drinking during
pregnancy. This combined data underscores the importance of raising
awareness, promoting prevention strategies, and ensuring expectant
mothers receive proper medical guidance to protect both their health and
their baby’s well-being.

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Conclusion
In summary, this presentation highlights the risks of alcohol
consumption during pregnancy for both the parent and fetus. The main
reasons for drinking include pregnancy cravings (8 people), lack of
awareness (5people), poor maternal diet/lifestyle (4people), and ignoring
medical advice (3people). These factors contribute to serious health risks
like Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, low birth weight, and cognitive
challenges. Understanding these causes is key to prevention. Addressing
misinformation, cravings, and unhealthy habits through awareness,
medical guidance, and healthier alternatives can help reduce these risks.

Recommendations
• Educational Programs and Awareness Campaigns

• Implement initiatives to educate pregnant women about the dangers of

alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

• Rationale: Raising awareness can help prevent Fetal Alcohol

Syndrome, which accounts for 40% of the effects, and reduce risks such
as low birth weight and developmental issues in babies.

Support and Counseling Services

• Provide accessible counseling and support groups for expectant

mothers struggling with alcohol use.

• Rationale: Strengthening support systems can help address maternal

health risks (15%) and reduce long-term cognitive and behavioral issues
in children caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.

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Reflection

From this research, I have learned two key lessons:

1. How alcohol consumption during pregnancy affects the fetus.

2. How it changes the health of the mother.

One way to apply this lesson in personal life is to thoroughly educate all
family members as well as many friends in addition to the entire
community about the serious dangers of alcohol consumption during
pregnancy, to better help prevent health complications for both mothers
along with babies.

To make the project have a substantially greater effect, add research-

backed data along with real-life case studies and visual aids, in addition
to both prevention strategies and counterarguments, as well as a deeply
personal reflection.

This knowledge can be used to educate and advise pregnant women in

my community about the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy.

• Social Impact: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in

lifelong dysfunctions for the child, such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
(FAS). These dysfunctions may hinder the child’s ability to integrate
into society and succeed.

• Economic Impact: The long-term healthcare and support needed for

children with alcohol-related disabilities place financial strain on
families and healthcare systems.

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APPENDIX
This appendix includes the questionnaire used in the study to gather data
on alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Survey Questions:

[Link] causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) in a fetus?

[Link] is one potential effect of alcohol consumption during pregnancy
on the fetus?
[Link] of the following is the best way it prevents fetal alcohol spectrum
disorders?

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Bibliography

[Link]
pregnancy/about/[Link]#:~:text=Alcohol%20use%20during%20pre
gnancy%20is,alcohol%20spectrum%20disorders%20(FASDs).

Thank you to Miss Gentles for giving me this opportunity to

better understand the effects of drinking Alcohol during
pregnancy and for providing the SBA guide.

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