While doctors have long advised not drinking while pregnant now chief medics say that a woman should give up drinking while trying to conceive
Women trying to get pregnant and those in the first three months are advised to cut out all alcohol in guidance given today.
Previous advice was they could have two or fewer units up to twice a week.
But the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has revised its guide over fears drinking can raise the risk of miscarriage, lead to growth problems and cause premature labour.
Philippa Marsden, leader of the college’s patient information committee, said: “In some instances once the damage has been done it cannot be reversed.”
The college’s advice for women in the later part of pregnancy remains two units up to twice per week.
But it added the only way to be sure booze does not harm a baby is to avoid it if pregnant or breast-feeding.
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