Press Release - Pregnancy and alcohol – a dangerous cocktail says a new BMA report(issued Monday 04 Jun 2007)
Learning and physical disabilities and behavioural problems are part of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders [FASD]. These lifelong conditions can drastically impact on the lives of the individual and those around them. A new BMA report published today (Monday 4 June 2007) says the reality is that these conditions are completely preventable by not drinking any alcohol during pregnancy.
The report, ‘Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders1’, highlights how difficult it can be to detect FASD and how healthcare professionals need more guidance to help them diagnose and treat children suffering from the disorder.
The government in England has just revised its guidance and now advises pregnant women or women trying to conceive to avoid drinking alcohol. But if they do choose to drink, to minimise the risk to the baby, they should not consume more than one to two units of alcohol once or twice a week. However, the BMA report says this can be misinterpreted, as individuals may not clearly understand how many units correspond to what they are drinking. The alcoholic strengths of different beers and wines, and the considerable variation of standard measures used in bars and restaurants and in the home, can make it difficult for women to tell how many units they are consuming.
The new advice from the English government has been disputed by some medical experts and the BMA is now calling for clear, evidence-based guidelines on alcohol consumption during pregnancy and for women who are planning a pregnancy.
Read Full Press Release
Download Report, ‘Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (PDF)
Contributor: Peggy Seo Oba
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