Women should abstain from alcohol altogether when pregnant or trying to conceive, according to the British government’s latest advice.
The guidance replaces previous advice that pregnant women should drink no more than two units a day once or twice a week. It comes as research in the US has found a link between smoking during pregnancy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.
Ministers believe the change in guidance on alcohol is needed because too many women underestimate the risks to their baby, although it is not based on new scientific evidence. The Department of Health’s research found that 9 per cent of pregnant women are drinking above recommended levels. Fiona Adshead, the deputy chief medical officer, said the new guidance was stronger and clearer. “Our advice is simple: avoid alcohol if pregnant or trying to conceive,” she said.
Sheila Shribman, the national clinical director for children, young people and maternity services, said: “It is vital that we alert pregnant women and women hoping to conceive about the potential dangers of excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
However, the National Childbirth Trust said there was not enough scientific evidence to back the move. Mary Newburn, head of policy, said: “It’s easy to say don’t drink to be on the safe side. But to be on the safe side of not crashing, you shouldn’t get in a car”.
“The question is, is the evidence strong enough to say don’t drink at all? At the moment, I haven’t seen that evidence. Pregnant women need more evidence and less advice,” she added.
The National Organisation on Foetal Alcohol Syndrome estimates that more than 1 per cent of children born in the UK each year have foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which includes physical, behavioural and learning problems.
Jane Brewin, chief executive of the baby charity Tommy’s, said alcohol caused more damage to the developing foetus than any other substance, including marijuana, heroin and cocaine. “So although one or two units once or twice a week is thought to be safe, Tommy’s believes that no alcohol equals no risk,” she said.