Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Friday, May 25, 2007

News Release - Alcohol and pregnancy
25 May 2007

Pregnant women or those trying to conceive are being advised to avoid drinking alcohol, and not to get drunk.

Women who do choose to drink, before and during pregnancy, should drink no more than one to two units of alcohol once or twice a week.

The new guidelines have been introduced by the Department of Health to provide stronger, consistent advice for the whole of the UK.

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.’

The National Organisation on Foetal Alcohol Syndrome estimates that there are more than 6,000 children born each year with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, as a result of their mother’s alcohol consumption.

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