In recent years, consumption of alcohol by pregnant women has gained increasing status as a health concern. The idea that any consumption of alcohol through the duration of pregnancy, but also in the pre-conception period, presents a health risk to the fetus has become institutionalised. A consensus has emerged among organisations responsible for determining the advice given to the population about maternal health that an approach of abstinence should be advised.

1. Advocating alcohol abstinence to pregnant women: some observations about British policy Pam Lowe, lecturer in sociology, University of Aston and Ellie Lee, senior lecturer in social policy, University of Kent