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15/09/2011
Pregnant Drinking Causes Learning Disabilities
Research published this week has found drinking alcohol during pregnancy causes a common form of learning disability.
The paper by one of the UK’s leading authorities, Professor Barry Carpenter OBE, found children affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) were the largest group with learning difficulties not caused by a genetic condition.
According to the Royal college of Midwives, FASD affects around 1% of births in Europe, while sufferers display a range of "physical and mental symptoms such as skeletal and organ deformities and central nervous system handicaps".
Swanswell, a national charity that helps people overcome drug, alcohol and other problem behaviour, said the findings added weight to the need for clearer guidance for pregnant women about the risks to their health and that of their unborn child.
Debbie Bannigan, Chief Executive of Swanswell, said: ‘This research paper is written by one of the UK’s leading authorities on the effects of drinking while pregnant, and is clear evidence that during this time alcohol should simply be avoided. To advise anything else only causes confusion.
"There is already a bewildering amount of health advice out there for expectant mothers - they have enough to deal with without worrying about how much alcohol they can ‘safely’ consume.
Ms Banningan said that within the space of two days during this summer, the public were told that the Government was likely to increase its safe alcohol limits, and that new research had found that alcohol damages the DNA of unborn children beyond repair.
"The Government and public bodies have a duty to keep it clear and simple – if you want to avoid risking the health of your child, don't drink when pregnant."
(DW/GK)
The paper by one of the UK’s leading authorities, Professor Barry Carpenter OBE, found children affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) were the largest group with learning difficulties not caused by a genetic condition.
According to the Royal college of Midwives, FASD affects around 1% of births in Europe, while sufferers display a range of "physical and mental symptoms such as skeletal and organ deformities and central nervous system handicaps".
Swanswell, a national charity that helps people overcome drug, alcohol and other problem behaviour, said the findings added weight to the need for clearer guidance for pregnant women about the risks to their health and that of their unborn child.
Debbie Bannigan, Chief Executive of Swanswell, said: ‘This research paper is written by one of the UK’s leading authorities on the effects of drinking while pregnant, and is clear evidence that during this time alcohol should simply be avoided. To advise anything else only causes confusion.
"There is already a bewildering amount of health advice out there for expectant mothers - they have enough to deal with without worrying about how much alcohol they can ‘safely’ consume.
Ms Banningan said that within the space of two days during this summer, the public were told that the Government was likely to increase its safe alcohol limits, and that new research had found that alcohol damages the DNA of unborn children beyond repair.
"The Government and public bodies have a duty to keep it clear and simple – if you want to avoid risking the health of your child, don't drink when pregnant."
(DW/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
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25 May 2007
Pregnant women advised to avoid alcohol
Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive are being advised to avoid alcohol completely, under new guidance released by the Department of Health.
Pregnant women advised to avoid alcohol
Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive are being advised to avoid alcohol completely, under new guidance released by the Department of Health.
30 June 2009
Alcohol 'Killing One In 20 Scots'
New research shows alcohol-related illnesses could be killing one in 20 Scots - twice as many as previously thought, a new survey has found.
Alcohol 'Killing One In 20 Scots'
New research shows alcohol-related illnesses could be killing one in 20 Scots - twice as many as previously thought, a new survey has found.
02 March 2009
Plans To Tackle Alcohol Abuse Announced In Scotland
Plans to ban two-for-one alcohol promotions and cheap supermarket booze have been outlined by the Scottish government today, to help tackle alcohol misuse.
Plans To Tackle Alcohol Abuse Announced In Scotland
Plans to ban two-for-one alcohol promotions and cheap supermarket booze have been outlined by the Scottish government today, to help tackle alcohol misuse.
26 March 2008
Pregnant Women Told 'Avoid Alcohol'
Women are being advised to avoid alcohol altogether during pregnancy, following a revision in guidelines provided by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Pregnant Women Told 'Avoid Alcohol'
Women are being advised to avoid alcohol altogether during pregnancy, following a revision in guidelines provided by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
06 June 2006
Overweight mothers pose health risk, study claims
Overweight and obese mums-to-be are risking the health of themselves and their unborn children, as well as putting additional strain on the health service, research has suggested. Researchers at Teesside University carried out a study into maternal obesity and pregnancy outcome.
Overweight mothers pose health risk, study claims
Overweight and obese mums-to-be are risking the health of themselves and their unborn children, as well as putting additional strain on the health service, research has suggested. Researchers at Teesside University carried out a study into maternal obesity and pregnancy outcome.
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