Although there is no new research to suggest an essential change to the rules about drinking alcohol in pregnancy, the Department of Health have decided to amend their own guidelines to give a more clear message to women trying for a baby and those who are pregnant: no alcohol.
It is known that excessive alcohol intake during pregnancy can lead to birth defects for your baby. However, no scientific research has so far been able to conclude whether a small amount of alcohol is detrimental to a pregnancy or not. Thus, until now guidelines have suggested avoiding drink or limiting your intake to one or two units of alcohol one or two times a week.
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, this is still a reasonable guideline. However, if women do not know when to stop or how much a unit is, then the new message of 'no alcohol' will help let mothers-to-be know where they stand more clearly.
For more on the new Department of Health advice, go to www.dh.gov.uk.
You can also check out some ThinkBaby tips for cutting out alcohol and our advice if you are worried about drinking and smoking before you knew you were pregnant.
Or if you are planning a party and want something a little more special than orange juice, check out this great online store selling alcohol-free wines and spirits: LoNo.
