Alcohol is the most widely available drug in the world. Ninety per cent of Western adults indulge – even if only occasionally. Alcohol can seriously damage a developing baby. If a woman regularly drinks more than 12 units of alcohol per week (for example, 2 units per day) during pregnancy, her baby will suffer growth retardation and birthweight will be lower than normal.
Babies born to women who drink excessively during pregnancy at risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), linked with an increased risk of stillbirth and neonatal death. Those who survive are likely to have low birthweight, reduced intelligence and to suffer emotional and developmental problems. Other abnormalities linked with FAS include:
