'No alcohol' if you're pregnant
Updated on 25 May 2007
The government changes its guidance on alcohol, because so many pregnant women are exceeding safe drinking levels.
Pregnant women should not drink any alcohol at all, according to new government guidance even though there's no scientific evidence to suggest that one or two drinks a week will damage an unborn baby.
The Department of Health says it wants to make its recommendations "consistent", amid worries that the previous guidance - that minimal drinking is okay - is being misinterpreted.
It's thought more than 6,000 babies a year are born in Britain with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, which can result in mental and physical problems.
NOFAS helpline
The National Organisation on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Helpline is 'dedicted to eliminating birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.'
Call their helpline on 0870 0333 700
Or visit their website at nofas-uk.org
And the new guidance says women trying for a baby should also avoid all alcohol because it may harm their chances of conceiving.
We were joined by Susan Fleisher, who's the executive director of the National Organisation on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome to discuss the issue.
The mothers' perspective
What do mums and mums-to-be make of the idea of abstinence when pregnant? Read their opinions
