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New drinking advice for pregnant women4 June 2007
New guidelines issued by the Department of Health recommend that women should avoid drinking alcohol when pregnant or when trying to conceive. The advice replaces previous recommendations that mothers-to-be could safely drink up to one or two units of alcohol once or twice a week. If pregnant mothers still choose to drink, the new guidance recommends that they at least adhere to these limits. "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," explains the UK Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Fiona Adshead. According to the Department of Health, the National Organisation on Foetal Alcohol Syndrome estimates that over 6000 children are born with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in the UK every year. FASD is thought to occur when alcohol that the mother drinks passes through the placenta and reaches the developing baby. FASD can vary from being mild to severe, causing restricted growth, facial abnormalities and learning and behavioural problems in the baby. "Our advice is simple: avoid alcohol if pregnant or trying to conceive. This advice could also be included on alcohol packaging or labels," adds Dr Adshead. The government revealed the new guidelines shortly before announcing that by 2008 all alcoholic beverages sold in shops will carry labels designed to encourage sensible drinking. The government has been working with the drinks industry to agree on what form the labels will take. The labels are expected to highlight the number of alcoholic units in a bottle, and per glass or pint. They will also reiterate the Department of Health's sensible drinking advice; that men shouldn't drink more that 3 to 4 units a day, and that women should limit their intake to 2 to 3 units each day. The new labels may also carry advice on drinking alcohol for pregnant women. The revised guidelines for pregnant women don't come as a result of any new scientific finding. Dr Sheila Shribman, the National Clinical director for Children, Young People and Maternity Services explains: "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." Online Poll Using WebSurveyorBack to the latest health news
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