Avoid Alchol whilst pregnant

'Avoid alcohol when pregnant'


Alcohol should be avoided by pregnant women or those trying to conceive to minimise risk to the baby, the Department of Health has warned.

Previous guidance suggested that one or two units of alcohol a week was acceptable although women should avoid getting drunk.

The National Organisation on Foetal Alcohol Syndrome estimates that more than 6,000 children are born in the UK each year with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

FASD can result in a range of problems, including physical, mental and behavioural.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Fiona Adshead said: "We have strengthened our advice to women to help ensure that no-one underestimates the risk to the developing foetus of drinking above the recommended safe levels.

"Our advice is simple: avoid alcohol if pregnant or trying to conceive. This advice could also be included on alcohol packaging or labels."

She added: "The advice now reflects the fact the many women give up drinking alcohol completely during pregnancy. It is now straightforward and stresses that it is better to avoid drinking alcohol altogether."

Dr Sheila Shribman, the National Clinical Director for Children, Young People and Maternity Services said: "Alcohol and pregnancy advice is now consistent across the UK.

"Our last survey of pregnant women showed that 9 per cent were still drinking above the recommended levels.

"It is vital that we alert pregnant women and women hoping to conceive about the potential dangers of excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

"Although there is still scientific uncertainty about the precise impact of excess alcohol on unborn babies we believe the time is right to introduce a strong consistent approach across the whole of the UK.

"This revised advice has been agreed by the four chief medical officers across the UK."