A sober pregnancy
is not her responsibility alone.
AN ABSTAINING MOTHER AS ACTING BETTER THAN THEM.
We all have
A sober pregnancy is shaped by more than the choices of a pregnant woman. Partners, family, friends, traders, communities, and systems all help create the environment around her. AWARE.org National FASD Research, 2026 indicates that 64% believe that communities don’t receive enough information.
This campaign calls on everyone to close the knowledge gap and help prevent FASD together.
of respondents believe that a mother should be blamed for FASD.
report having seen pregnant women consume alcohol in their communities.
believe family members pressure a pregnant woman to have just one drink to manage her stress.
Support is something we do.
Partners
Reduce or stop drinking in support of a pregnant woman.
Family
Do not offer alcohol to someone who is pregnant or may be pregnant.
Community and businesses
Traditional beer, wine, and spirits all contain alcohol. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
Systems
Encourage and facilitate early support for sober pregnancies.
The responsibility for a sober pregnancy should not sit with her alone.
We can all help create an environment where choosing not to drink is supported, respected, and encouraged.
Learn more and
2026 Sober Pregnancies Research
DownloadThe AWARE.org National FASD Research, 2026 explores the societal, environmental, and behavioural factors contributing to alcohol consumption during pregnancy in South Africa.
Based on insights from over 800 South Africans across all nine provinces, the study reveals the gap between awareness and action, uncovers persistent myths around Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and highlights the role of social norms, economic pressures, support systems, and access to healthcare in shaping outcomes.
The findings reinforce the need for a whole-of-society response to prevent FASD and support healthier pregnancies.
Beyond awareness: the research at a glance
Download the infographicExplore the key findings from AWARE.org's 2026 Sober Pregnancies: Beyond Awareness to Support research in a quick, visual snapshot. This infographic highlights the study's most important insights into the perceptions, myths, support systems, and societal factors that influence alcohol use during pregnancy, complementing the full research report.
Awareness must lead to support.
AWARE.org programmes combine community education, campus activation, maternal support, and early intervention.
Strong Programme
Targeting 15,000 mothers and mothers-to-be with FASD education, resources and early intervention in 2026.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Campaign
Educated 5,000 people through campus activations, community outreach, and UJ FM’s 40,000 listeners in 2025.
NXTGEN WOMXN FOR MOTHERS
90% of participants in 2025, said they do not plan to drink while pregnant after receiving support for mental health resources and FASD education.
Resources and information
For more information on alcohol addiction, contact SANCA National:
For assistance with FASD and FASD- related matters, contact the National Department of Health:
*All images depicted are of models and not actual mothers or their children. The children shown do not represent those affected or unaffected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).