Hywel Dda Health Board has launched a set of posters highlighting the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant.

The move comes as part of the Think Safe, Drink Safe alcohol public awareness campaign and seeks to encourage expectant mums to abstain completely during pregnancy.

“The message for pregnant women about safer use of alcohol has lacked clarity and consistency over the years and the campaign provides a simple and clear message that no alcohol means no risk for the unborn child,” said a health board spokesman.

The posters are being circulated to GP practices, pharmacies and ante natal clinic areas around the region in order to get the message across.

Staff are also being encouraged to discuss this issue with patients and have been provided with a set of key facts about alcohol and pregnancy to illustrate the danger of drinking while pregnant.

“It is hoped that by using these resources health professionals will be able to have a conversation with expectant mothers and their partners about the potential risks from the use of alcohol during their pregnancy,” said the spokesman.

Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: "Because of the risks to babies’ health, it is recommended that women who are pregnant or trying to have a baby should avoid alcohol altogether.

“However, if expectant mums do drink, in order to reduce the risk to their baby it’s a good idea for them to drink no more than one or two units once or twice a week and never get drunk.

“It may be that they didn’t realise they were pregnant straight away and carried on their usual drinking pattern.

“If this is the case, they should try to cut down or cut out alcohol all together straight away.

“Any steps they take to reduce their alcohol consumption will reduce the risks to their baby’s health. If they do need to drink alcohol every day, they should speak to a health professional such as their midwife before they stop.

"Overall, if you’re pregnant or to trying to get pregnant, the best advice is: no alcohol, no risk."