DoH updates drinking advice for pregnant women

The Department of Health (DoH) has updated its advice for pregnant women concerning drinking alcohol. The department has strengthened its guidelines, recommending that both pregnant women and those seeking to become pregnant fully abstain from imbibing alcohol.

For those expectant mothers who do choose to drink, the government has recommended a maximum limit of one or two units of alcohol once or twice a week.

The department notes that excessive consumption of alcohol can cause damage to the foetus at all stages of pregnancy, including the early weeks where pregnancy can often be unconfirmed.

While no new scientific evidence has been published, these new guidelines aim to provide more consistent advice across the UK that is easier for individuals to understand.

Dr Fiona Adshead, deputy chief medical officer, 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.”

She added that these new recommendations reflect that many women in the UK already abstain from drinking while pregnant, adding that advice against the consumption of alcohol while could be included on product packaging.

The government has this week announced an agreement with the alcohol industry to include alcohol unit information on all drinks labels by the end of next year.