Tell Mothers-to-Be To Abstain
Vivienne Nathanson, Director of Professional Activities at the British Medical Association
Nathanson believes the safest thing to do is tell pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant to avoid alcohol altogether. Alcohol can have a negative effect on the reproductive process in several different ways - it can cause:
-- infertility
-- miscarriage
-- preterm deliveries
-- stillbirth
-- low birth weight infants
-- fetal alcohol syndrome
-- neonatal developmental problems
Nathanson explains that some evidence is surfacing that there may even be risks if a pregnant mother consumes alcohol in moderation. Studies are indicating that two to five units of alcohol a week might delay the development of the fetus's nervous system - and effect which could be permanent. Another large recent study found that occasional low to moderate drinking during the first three months of pregnancy may undermine the infant's future mental health.
Guidelines, as they stand, can be interpreted in many different ways, argues Nathanson. If people do not clearly understand what 'standard drinks' or 'units' are exactly, moderate drinking for one person could be heavy drinking for another. How many women continue to drink in their pre-pregnancy fashion during their first trimester before they realize they are pregnant?
As the present guidelines are confusing, likely to be interpreted in many different ways, the most sensible step is to advise the pregnant woman, as well as the woman who plans to become pregnant, not to drink at all, concludes Nathanson




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