News

13th September 2004

Even an occasional drink could harm unborn babies

Pregnant women will be warned today that drinking even moderate amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can cause irreparable damage to their babies.

Speaking at the first ever Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) conference today, Dr Raja Mukherjee warns that even women who follow the Government recommended guidelines for drinking during pregnancy are risking problems for their children including hyperactivity, physical abnormalities, reduced attention span and a diminished IQ.

He says that the recommended 2 units per week - equivalent to two glasses of wine or a pint of beer - is too high.

Quoting vast research from the US, South Africa and Scandinavia, Dr Mukherjee says, "Everyone who drinks during pregnancy is potentially at risk. The only definitely safe level is no alcohol at all."

Research has suggested that one in 3,000 babies suffer from the full effects of the condition, with others struck by milder forms of the symptoms.

Dr Mukherjee adds, "Studies to date have shown that the most common group to have children with foetal alcohol syndrome are people who drink chronically during pregnancy. There is an increasing literature of evidence, however, to suggest that binge drinking as well as low doses of alcohol can cause damage."

The specialist registrar, who works at St George's Hospital Medical School, in London hopes to carry out research in the UK to clarify if the problem is as bad here as abroad. He says the disorder is pervasive, meaning it cannot be cured. "It affects the basic structure of the brain and the way that it processes information. This is similar to Autism and other pervasive developmental disorders."

He is calling for better awareness of the syndrome, along with health promotion campaigns and support for those already suffering with this disorder.

"FAS is by far the largest preventable cause of intellectual disability that exists," he adds.

In May, Lord Mitchell, a spokesman for the National Organisation on Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, said "The problem is that alcohol in the body of the foetus can rob the brain of oxygen, destroy brain cells that can never be regenerated, and retard the growth of other organs. What those young women do not know is the real risk that they are running as the foetus in their body is being wrecked by their indulgence."

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• If this affects you visitFoetal Alcohol Syndrome Aware UK