Limpopo has lowest awareness of alcohol pregnancy risks in SA
Just 56% of Limpopo respondents know the dangers of drinking during pregnancy, the lowest in SA, with misconceptions about home-brewed alcohol persisting.
LIMPOPO – Limpopo has the lowest reported awareness of alcohol-related pregnancy risks in South Africa, according to a new research report by AWARE.org.
Just 56% of respondents in the province said they were aware of health conditions linked to drinking during pregnancy, significantly lower than the national average of 78%.
Misconceptions persist
The findings also reveal concerning misconceptions, with 37% believing home-brewed or illicit alcohol is less harmful to a baby than commercially produced alcohol, and 26% believing the placenta protects babies from alcohol exposure.
The findings form part of AWARE.org’s 2026 Sober Pregnancies Research Report, a broader national research series exploring public perceptions, community norms, support systems and awareness relating to alcohol use during pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
What is FASD?
FASD refers to a range of lifelong physical, behavioural and cognitive conditions caused by alcohol exposure before birth.
Health experts continue to emphasise that there is no safe type, no safe amount, and no safe stage of pregnancy during which alcohol can be consumed.
A gap in public health messaging
The findings suggest that one of the most important public health messages around pregnancy and alcohol has not yet fully taken hold in many communities. This reflects not a lack of concern, but rather the need for more accessible, consistent and locally relevant health education.
“Limpopo’s findings are a clear call to action,” says Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org.
“We know that information shared through trusted voices such as healthcare workers, community leaders and families is far more likely to influence behaviour than one-off messaging campaigns. Our goal is to embed accurate knowledge about sober pregnancies into everyday community conversations so that every expectant mother has access to the information and support she needs to make informed decisions.”
Through its #SoberPregnancies pillar, AWARE.org works with healthcare professionals, caregivers, families and communities to reduce alcohol-related harm during pregnancy.
The campaign focuses on evidence-based education, community engagement and collaborative advocacy to improve understanding of pregnancy-related alcohol risks.
