Do you know why pregnant women should not drink?

Prof. Know Why answers:

Women who are pregnant or trying for a baby should stop drinking alcohol altogether or at least restrict to moderate drinking – the doctors advice. Because by exceeding the recommended limit they often put their babies at risk. But do women ever pay any serious attention on this cliché warning, ever? If not, all you women better know the consequences now, than be sorry, later!

Although, moderate drinking like up to two units once or twice a week is permissible, total abstinence is always desirable – as the doctors say. Heavy drinking can cause Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, an incurable condition resulting in retardation, poor memory and in the worst cases, facial abnormalities. Surveys say, about one in 1,000 babies are born with the syndrome each year, worldwide.

But a milder condition, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, is more common, affecting more than 6,000 children each year in Britain alone, and is a leading cause of learning difficulties.

Because many women do not realize that they are pregnant for the first few months, the advice is extended to those trying to conceive as well. And if a pregnant woman chooses to carry on drinking, she should not get drunk and keep to the recommended limit of one to two units once or twice a week in order to minimize risks to the baby.

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• Do you know why you should drink?

Do you know why you should drink?

Prof. Know Why answers:

Drinking had been always associated with forgetfulness until recently, as a new research has overruled this age old theory. A glass or two of wine can boost our ability to remember, says a new study. Scientists have found that moderate amounts of alcohol challenge the brain and it responds by improving the memory.

The findings rubbished the notion of drinking to forget, as they also show drinking enough to exceed the limit for driving means you are more likely to remember the embarrassment of an unrestrained spell – from making an indecent proposal to dancing without your trousers on. Contrary to popular belief, it has also been found that excessive levels of alcohol even enhanced memories of highly emotional stimuli. In fact, heavy drinking actually reinforces negative memories.

But moderate levels of alcohol consumption, equivalent to one or two of wine a day, enhance memory on the whole. Researchers suggest - just like the best way to build strength in a muscle is to challenge the muscle, moderate levels of alcohol challenge the brain and it responds by improving memory.

So alcoholics, you get yet another excuse to rejoice and celebrate! Cheers!

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