Sophie Delezio, a 23-year-old expecting her first child with fiancé Joseph Salerno, is passionately educating others on the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. She aims to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a condition caused by alcohol consumption that impacts a child’s brain and development.
Delezio’s commitment to this cause comes ahead of FASD Awareness Day on September 9. She emphasizes the preventability of FASD, stating, “When something is 100 percent preventable, I want to push that awareness because so many things in life are not preventable.”
Having encountered FASD personally through her hospital journey and DrinkWise campaigns, Delezio felt compelled to advocate for greater awareness. “My goal is to raise awareness about differences and struggles and to prevent them,” she says.
Delezio, who survived severe burns in a 2003 car crash at her Sydney daycare and was later hit by a car in 2006, has inspired many with her recovery. Now, as she navigates her pregnancy and FASD advocacy, new research from DrinkWise highlights the significance of her message. The study shows that 87 percent of women aged 18 to 44 believe no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy, a rise from 77 percent in 2018. However, Delezio is concerned that 13 percent of Australians still ignore these risks.
“I think we all know there is a large drinking problem in Australia, and it’s about general awareness,” she notes. Despite this, she remains optimistic that increasing awareness will improve trends as her generation becomes parents.
Delezio, who announced her pregnancy in April, follows her doctor’s advice to avoid alcohol. “Abstaining from alcohol is an easy decision because I know it helps give my child the best start,” she says. She also emphasizes the importance of self-care during pregnancy, focusing on rest and relaxation.
Surprisingly, Delezio has faced some skepticism from older individuals regarding her alcohol abstinence. “It’s surprising to hear comments from the older generation, like ‘I bet you miss drinking,’” she says. However, she is firm in her choice. “I don’t care about missing out. I can still enjoy socializing without alcohol.”
Her commitment has also influenced her friends, who now see the ease of choosing non-alcoholic options. “They’ve been incredibly accommodating, and there are so many options for non-alcoholic drinks,” she explains.
Adding to the excitement, Delezio’s brother and his partner are also expecting a child around the same time. “Our families are thrilled, and having each other for support is special,” she says. As the first in their friend groups to become parents, their shared experience offers invaluable support.
