Alcohol and pregnancy: a dangerous cocktail.

Women have diverse attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Contradictory views about the risks associated with alcohol intake influence consumption levels. Many women do not receive detailed advice from healthcare professionals. The woman's assessment of risk is hindered by the contradictory advice from government guidelines, health organisations and the media. Health professionals play a vital role in advising women on health behaviours pre-conception and throughout the antenatal and postnatal period to improve outcomes. Midwives ensure and enable women to make informed choices regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy. As healthcare professionals we should be providing evidence based, up to date information regarding the potential risks and harms associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy for the unborn. So why is this not happening?