British Medical Association Scotland publishes paper on health impact of smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy

The chairman of the BMA in Scotland urges would-be parents to give their child a healthy start in life during the publication of the briefing paper.The paper also highlights how existing health inequalities lead to an increased risk for certain groups of Scotland’s children.

One in every seven babies born each year in Scotland requires some form of special care. Two of the main reasons for requiring this care are premature birth and low birth weight. Smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy both increase the risk of these. 25% of women in Scotland smoke during pregnancy, affecting 12,500 babies 55% of women in the UK report drinking alcohol during their pregnancy

Key recommendations in the paper include:

o Attendance at smoking cessation services may present barriers for certain groups – in particular those with young children and those on low incomes – so smoking cessation outreach programmes aimed at reaching such groups should be established.

o Breastfeeding should be promoted for the health of the mother and baby.

o The effects of smoking on breastfeeding should be highlighted.

o Government should issue clear and consistent advice on alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

o The BMA believes women who are pregnant, or who are planning a pregnancy, should be advised not to consume any alcohol.

o Media personalities and celebrities should be aware of their influence on young people, and should not promote or glamorise smoking and drinking.

o Promotion of tobacco and alcoholic drinks, especially through channels directed at young people, such as films, fashion, music and sport should be banned.