British Medical Association (BMA) warns: Pregnant women should not use any alcohol
British Medical Association call for stricter Government advice and “more explicit” warnings of the risks of alcohol to developing babies
Professor Sir Al Aynsley Green, president of the BMA, called for stricter Government advice and “more explicit” warnings of the risks to the baby on bottles and cans. Prof Aynsley Green, the former children’s commissioner for England, said current government guidelines to women on consuming alcohol in pregnancy were “confusing”, “contradictory” and “inconsistent”.
He said they should be replaced with one recommendation – no alcohol during pregnancy – which was simpler and safer.
“It has to be concluded that there is no ‘safe’ limit for alcohol consumption during pregnancy,” he said.
Professor Sheila Hollins, BMA board of science chairman, said:
“We know that alcohol exposure during pregnancy can harm the unborn child. This can range from subtle damage that affects the child’s intelligence, behaviour and relationships to severe physical and learning disabilities that will have a significant impact throughout the life of the baby and of those around it.”
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol is the most common cause of all learning disabilities.
Up to 7,000 babies a year in Britain are born damaged because their mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy. It is estimated that up to 1% of babies suffer damage such as learning disabilities as a result of being exposed to alcohol in the womb.
Source Website: The Telegraph
