Information and advice on how much you can drink when pregnant and the health effects.

Many people know about the dangers of prenatal alcohol exposure, particularly the damaging effects that heavy drinking can cause to a child's brain development.

Government guidelines suggest that pregnant women should limit their alcohol intake to four units a week, and no more than two in a sitting since blood alcohol level is the crucial factor in establishing possible effects on the unborn baby.

This means that getting drunk should be avoided as it not only poses a health threat to the foetus but also increases the likelihood of accidents. Studies show that about 15 per cent of women drink alcohol during their pregnancies.

Excessive drinking causes foetal alcohol syndrome, a lifelong condition that can cause mental retardation and other behavioural and learning problems. But some studies also show that even moderate drinking can harm infant development, including reduced motor skills, shorter attention span and increased drowsiness.

"It seems to contradict a common assumption that 'anything in moderation' is fine," said investigator Mary Schneider, who conducted a study into drinking and pregnancy.

"We hope that doctors and educators will take this to heart and further encourage women to limit alcohol and minimize stress during pregnancy."

Research also suggests that alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to learning and memory deficits as well as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the child. By decreasing the activity of dopamine neurons in the midbrain area, alcohol causes long-lasting effects on the brain's ability to focus.

Even light drinking may interfere with learning and memory as late as adolescence, even during the first three months when some mothers have not yet to realise that they are pregnant.

“We have known for a long time that drinking heavily during pregnancy could lead to major impairments in growth, behaviour, and cognitive function in children,” said researcher Jennifer Willford.

"Even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can have a significant impact on child development." The researchers added that learning and memory problems jeopardise school success and interfere with a child's ability to achieve alongside his or her peers.

"There is no safe level of drinking during pregnancy and there is no safe time to drink," said Willford.

"Women need this information before pregnancy recognition and their first visit to a doctor so that they may make better choices about drinking if they are planning to become, or think that they may be, pregnant."

There is even some evidence, although more research must be done, to suggest that drinking during pregnancy may also increase your offspring’s risk of breast cancer in later life.

"Women should continue to heed warnings that alcohol intake during pregnancy should be significantly limited to protect their offspring," comments oncologist Anna Cabanes. She added that the in utero period plays an important role in determining future risk of developing breast cancer.

Read More

Understanding Alcohol: Find out more about alcohol and its affects on the body.

Alcoholism - The Signs: Find out what to look for to see if someone you know is an alcoholic.

Alcohol: The Health Dangers: Understand the Health risks involved with heavy drinking.

Alcohol & Driving: Know your limits.

Drinking & Depression: Understand how drinking can cause depression in certain people.

Alcohol and Pregnancy: Information and advice on how much you can drink when pregnant and the health effects.

Alcohol & Family Life: How drinking can affect your family life, plus information on teenage drinking.