RCOG: Safest option is to abstain
Wednesday, 26 Mar 2008 11:53
The safest option for the health of unborn babies is for pregnant women to abstain from consuming alcohol, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has advised.
But it adds that low-level consumption of alcohol has not yet been found to be harmful.
The RCOG's statement was released in response to new guidelines on alcohol and pregnancy from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice).
The health watchdog said alcohol should be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy and after that no more than one or two units should be drunk more than once or twice a week.
"The current advice remains for pregnant women to ensure that alcohol consumption remains within these limits," RCOG said.
"Women should also avoid getting drunk and binge drinking at any stage of their pregnancy."
