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Monday 21st February, 2005
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The authors looked at reports into foetal alcohol syndrome that
resulted in stunted growth, facial abnormalities and brain disorders.
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Expectant mothers should be advised not to drink alcohol, as
this may pose health risks to the foetus, argues an editorial in
this week's BMJ.
While the UK Department of Health advises that women can safely
drink one or two units of alcohol per week, a team of psychiatrists
in London highlight several studies which cast doubt on the
guidance.
The authors looked at reports into foetal alcohol syndrome, a
condition developed by some babies exposed to alcohol in the womb,
resulting in stunted growth, facial abnormalities and neurocognitive
deficits (brain disorders). An overarching foetal alcohol spectrum
disorder - traceable to the pregnant mother's alcohol consumption
say the authors - has also been identified.
Both the syndrome and disorder cause a wide range of behavioural
disorders, they argue, including hyperactivity, problems with mental
organisation, and difficulties in understanding the consequences of
one's behaviour. Symptoms may also overlap with conditions such as
autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Previously the syndrome was thought to be caused by mothers
drinking heavily in pregnancy. But the authors argue that recent
studies suggest that far less exposure to alcohol in the womb may
put babies at risk ? as little as one drink per week in one study.
Individual differences in alcohol metabolism may protect most women
when drinking small quantities, add the team, but it is currently
impossible to predict who is at risk and who is not.
More research is needed to find out just how much alcohol may be
damaging to a foetus, argue the authors. In the interim, the only
safe message for expectant mothers is to abstain from alcohol, they
conclude.
Sources:
BMJ-British Medical Journal.
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