Mothers-to-be who have one glass of wine a day need help, says doctors

The British Medical Association says all women with a "confirmed or suspected" history of "low-to-moderate" alcohol consumption should be helped to cut down on their drinking once they try to start a family.

But last night some doctors described the advice, sent out to all GPs, as heavy-handed in the absence of clear evidence that low levels of alcohol can harm unborn babies.

Critics also said the numbers of women involved could be astronomical - and that the advice sessions could be costly.

Evidence that heavy drinking can cause defects in children is more conclusive.

Around 100 babies a year are born with foetal alcohol syndrome, which causes low birth weight, flattened features, heart and kidney abnormalities, deafness and brain damage.

In addition, as many as 7,000 British babies a year may be born with the less serious foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which causes attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and poor co-ordination.

The BMA says any woman who is pregnant or planning a pregnancy, and who has a suspected or confirmed history of alcohol consumption at low-to-moderate levels - 1.5 units a day - should be offered brief counselling to help them stop drinking.

The one-to-one sessions, which would be carried out by GPs or midwives, would cover the dangers of drinking on unborn babies. Women would be encouraged to set daily targets for drinking and handed leaflets.

For those drinking more heavily, such as those having six units (three glasses of wine) on a night out, GPs should suggest they attend a specialist organisation.

BMA head of science and ethics Vivienne Nathanson said: "If someone is drinking moderate levels, then brief interventions can help.

"The cost of treating a child with foetal alcohol syndrome is £1 million over a lifetime so the cost of a few thousand to provide these interventions is well worth it."

But Professor Andrew Shennan, an obstetrician with the baby charity Tommy's, said: "If GPs follow this rule there will be an awful lot of people requiring intervention.

"At first sight the potential cost looks quite staggering. Maybe it would be better to target help at those who really need it.

"There is no evidence that low amounts of alcohol are harmful and it is not unreasonable to have the occasional drink."

Last month, the Government revised its guidelines to mothers-to-be, telling them it would be safer to stop drinking altogether. Failing this, they should limit themselves to one or two units of alcohol once or twice a week.