Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
12 February 2015 09:57
The latest medical guidance on drinking alcohol during pregnancy advises women to avoid it entirely while trying for a baby and during the first three months after conception
Women should not drink any alcohol at all if they are trying for a baby or have already conceived and are in the first trimester of their pregnancy, according to new guidelines.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) had previously advised mums-to-be to restrict themselves to no more than two to four units of alcohol a week but it is now saying it is best to not drink any at all.
Women who are pregnant and intending to travel overseas can take out pregnancy travel insurance for added peace of mind.
What the guidance says
Research is yet to prove how much alcohol pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers can safely drink. The idea behind the new advice is that it is better to completely avoid the risk of alcohol harming a child by cutting it out altogether.
The guidance does say that drinking a small amount of alcohol after three months does not affect children. Women beyond the first trimester are advised to restrict drinking to no more than one to two units a couple of times a week.
RCOG says women are more likely to have a miscarriage if they drink alcohol when their baby is conceived and in the first three months afterwards.
Some of the alcohol can find its way through the placenta and into a baby's blood and affect how it develops inside the womb, particularly its brain, according to guidance.
What the RCOG experts say
Don't drink alcohol when you are trying for a baby is the advice RCOG Patient Information Committee chairwoman Philippa Marsden wants women to follow.
Ms Marsden says women can make a real difference to the health of their baby if they cut down on drinking or don't drink any alcohol at all while they are trying for a baby, pregnant or breastfeeding.
07 June 2019
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
[more...]
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.
Heading to the showpiece event of women's football in France this summer? Here's everything you need to know about England's venues for France 2019.
Get more out of your smartphone when you go travelling by downloading these travel apps and make your trip easier at the touch of a button.
24 May 2019
Heading to the football in Baku but don't know what else to do? Explore the hip and trendy crossroad of Europe and the Middle East and experience the fast-growing phenomenon, Azerbaijan.
Two of London's top football teams head east in search of silverware on May 29. If you're heading to Baku for the final, here's our guide on what you need to know before you go...
17 May 2019
There's more to Monaco than the Grand Prix. Discover the magic of the Mediterranean principality with our guide to what you must see in Monaco.
15 May 2019
Are you heading to one of Europe's best music festivals this summer? Then make sure you read our top ten tips before you leave...
What makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special? From a royal guestlist to a challenging circuit, we take a look at why the Monte Carlo Formula 1 race is so prestigious...
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.