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Editorials

Low level alcohol consumption and the fetus

BMJ 2005; 330 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.330.7488.375 (Published 17 February 2005) Cite this as: BMJ 2005;330:375

Rapid Response:

Avoiding alcohol is good preconception care advice

Cecile Loup misunderstands my comments about alcohol drinking by
fertile couples. It is estimated that one in three pregnancies are
unplanned. The advice, based on academic research, from Foresight the
charity for the Promotion for Preconception Care, founded by Belinda
Barnes, has long been that both parents should avoid alcohol before
conception and pregnant women should avoid alcohol during pregnancy. The
most important time for brain development in early pregnancy, and drinking
has greatly increased in young women over the past decades. The price of
alcohol has become relatively cheaper and alcoholic drinks are a
profitable source of revenue for governments and companies.

A society is immature to ignore the total costs and misery caused by
alcohol drinking. Many illnesses and disabilities in children can be
prevented in theory by the best preconception care, which also treats
unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriages. Heavy alcohol
consumption causes the fetal alcohol syndrome but just one bout of
drinking can damage sperm during the three months before conception. As
more and more children suffer from autism, hyperactivity, asthma, diabetes
and dyslexia, society must take some of the responsibility for encouraging
a culture of frequent alcohol drinking. No amount of pleasure from brain-
dulling alcohol can compensate for damaging the health of a child.

Competing interests:
None declared

Competing interests: No competing interests

19 February 2005
Ellen C G Grant
physican and medical gynaecologist
Kingston-upon-Thames, KT2 7JU