Health experts have warned pregnant women against alcohol consumption.

The caution comes at a time when several pregnant women, especially in Kampala City, are increasingly seen taking alcoholic beverage.

Dr David Basangwa, the executive director of Butabika Mental Hospital, told a workshop organised by the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance on Thursday, that alcohol is dangerous to both the expectant mothers and the foetus.

“We always advise pregnant mothers to avoid using alcohol because if she takes alcohol, it goes to the baby that is forming in the womb and it has a lot of effects on the human body forming” Dr Basangwa said.

He said such children affected by alcohol are born with complications and would not usually survive even the first year of life.

Dr Basangwa said the effect on the unborn child occurs regardless of the quantity of alcohol consumed.

“For the foetus, it doesn’t even have to be excessive even the little quantities that the mother takes will damage the developing foetus,” Dr Basangwa said.

He said besides the baby, the expectant mother also gets complications like any other human being taking alcohol excessively.

Vulnerable people

He said although drinking is not bad, there are people who are vulnerable that need to be protected through promotion of safe drinking practices.

“Those who cannot practice safe drinking are better off not drinking” Dr Basangwa warned.