Here’s why pregnant women are being told to ‘avoid alcohol completely’

Can women drink alcohol during pregnancy? Or is it too dangerous?

The question has been the subject of countless research and heated debates, but two experts are suggesting women should steer clear of alcohol completely during the whole of pregnancy.

Mary Mather, a retired paediatrician, and Kate Wiles, a doctoral research fellow in obstetric medicine at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said the “only ethical advice that can be given is complete abstinence from alcohol in pregnancy”.

They said women were faced with “confusing” and “contradictory” messages about drinking while pregnant.

Current guidance “flies in the face of evidence”, while other countries, including the US, Canada, Denmark, France, Norway, Israel, Mexico, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and Spain recommend no alcohol in pregnancy, they said.

Here’s why pregnant women are being told to ‘avoid alcohol completely’

Comments