Hamm, Germany  - Pregnant women should completely avoid alcoholic drinks because even small amounts of alcohol can seriously damage the health of unborn children, according to the Hamm-based German Centre for Addiction Issues (DHS).

Addressing the public on International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day, the DHS said that studies showed there were no low-risk levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Possible consequences for children of mothers who drank while pregnant, the DHS said, were behavioural and learning disorders that could last a lifetime. It noted that FASD was the main cause of avoidable birth defects. (dpa)