Alcohol and Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant are advised that avoiding alcohol completely is the safest option. From 2006, women in Scotland are advised that 1 or 2 units, only occasionally is unlikely to do any harm. It is advised that "occasionally" be interpreted as probably not more than every few weeks.

The Department of Health for England and Wales advice will remain that 1 or 2 units, once or twice a week is unlikely to do any harm.

The guidlines above apply only to adults. Young people's bodies are not yet physically mature and cannot cope with alcohol as well as an adult's body.