Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
13 March 2014 08:46
Researchers found that 53% of women drank more than the upper limit of two units a week during the first trimester
Women are drinking too much alcohol during the first three months of pregnancy, according to a study.
Researchers from the University of Leeds found 53% consume more than the recommended upper limit of two units a week during the first trimester, putting their babies at serious risk of birth defects.
They also discovered that those adhering to the suggested limits are more likely to have problems with their babies than those who do not drink at all.
The study examined 1,200 women in Leeds who filled out food frequency questionnaires, including information on alcohol consumption during the month before conception and the three trimesters of pregnancy.
It was noted that alcohol intake was "significantly higher" before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy than in the last two trimesters.
Women typically drank 11.2 units a week before conception and four units a week during the first three months and less than two a week during the last six months of pregnancy.
Those who drank more than two units a week were more likely to be older, educated to degree level and more likely to live in affluent areas.
In light of the findings, the researchers are calling on health officials to revise their guidance on drinking during pregnancy.
NHS guidance states women should avoid drinking alcohol if they are pregnant or trying to conceive.
If they do decide to drink they should have no more than one to two units of alcohol once or twice a week.
Some 13% of babies born during the study were underweight, 4.4% were classed as being of a low birth weight and 4.3% were born prematurely.
Alcohol consumption was associated with a 100g reduction in birth weight for women consuming more than two units a week during the first trimester.
Furthermore, they were twice as likely to have a baby who was born small for gestational age when compared to non-drinkers.
The study's authors claim these findings highlight the need for endorsing the "abstinence-only" message rather than weekly allowances.
Whether mums-to-be in the first trimester choose to have a drink within recommended guidelines on their holidays or completely abstain, pregnancy travel insurance is one way for them to protect themselves and their baby while they're away.
19 February 2019
Hundreds of passengers have had their travel plans cancelled following the collapse of airline flybmi.
[more...]
16 February 2019
Holidaymakers were left fuming after a "lack of clarity" over Brexit led a Romanian airline to cancel flights from Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.
15 February 2019
British Airways celebrated Valentine's Day with a special flight where all members of the cabin crew were couples who work for the airline.
14 February 2019
The "concerning" level of stigma surrounding the human papilloma virus (HPV) could be putting some women off going for vital check-ups, campaigners are warning.
13 February 2019
Older people living with depression should be given better access to community activities and therapy instead of being prescribed antidepressants, researchers have urged.
12 February 2019
The Government has been criticised for failing to act on warnings about the link between processed meats and cancer, by the scientist who co-authored the original advice.
09 February 2019
A grandfather who has battled three types of cancer is cycling from Twickenham to Tokyo in time for the Rugby World Cup - all in aid of charity.
08 February 2019
Lovers of traditional fish and chips are embracing a more health-conscious version of their favourite food, a new study suggests.
07 February 2019
Two thirds of UK adults don't know they're able to lower their risk of developing dementia, new research has shown.
06 February 2019
More than 600 people a day are quitting their jobs to care for relatives, a charity has warned.
05 February 2019
Millennials in the US face an increasing risk of developing an obesity-related cancer, a new study has revealed.
02 February 2019
More than 100 people sought refuge at a pub high on Bodmin Moor overnight after heavy snowfall hit the A30, leading many stranded motorists to abandon their cars.