Alcohol-free is best pregnancy choice
November 12, 2008
The Focus on Alcohol Angus project is supporting this month’s national campaign promoting the message that an alcohol-free pregnancy is the best choice for expectant mothers to make.
Eileen McArthur is manager of the Focus on Alcohol Angus project, which draws members from Angus Council, NHS Tayside, the emergency services and other groups. She says, “There is uncertainty about the safety of drinking small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy. The project wishes to reaffirm that the only way to put women's minds at rest is for them to adopt an alcohol-free pregnancy and that, by doing this, they are giving their baby the best possible start."
Phyllis Winters, midwife from the Montrose Maternity unit stated, "We want to hear a clear and consistent message from healthcare professionals and the media that alcohol and pregnancy don't mix. There has been a degree of confusion recently where different bodies have given out different messages about alcohol and pregnancy and this needs to improve. I am clear about this: zero tolerance is best. I would urge anyone with queries or worries around this issue to contact their midwife."
Local mum Carol Anne Carnegie is pregnant with her second child and is also employed by the Angus Drug and Alcohol Team. A main part of Carol’s job is to ensure that the most relevant and accurate information around alcohol and drugs reaches the citizens of Angus.
Carol commented, "We are concerned that women have been given conflicting advice about whether or not drinking alcohol during pregnancy will cause harm to their developing baby. There is a proven risk that heavy drinking during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. However,the exact level for risky consumption is unknown. What we do know is that the risk of damage increases the more alcohol is consumed. This means that to drink no alcohol at all is the best and safest choice. This is also the advice given by Scotland's Chief Medical Officer and the British Medical Association.”
Carol concluded, “I am fortunate in my job to know exactly the right advice to take and I would like to get the message that alcohol and pregnancy don't mix to other expectant mums.”
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