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<p>The Department is considering future research in this area and how improvements
to the data collected can be made. The Department funds and commissions research through
the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR welcomes funding
applications for research into any aspect of human health, including the effect of
alcohol on pregnant women and unborn babies. These applications are subject to peer
review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the
importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money
and scientific quality. The NIHR is currently funding research to improve support
for midwifes to discuss harms of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.</p><p>The United
Kingdom Chief Medical Officers’ (CMOs) low risk drinking guidelines provide advice
to women not to drink alcohol if they are planning for a pregnancy or are pregnant.
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, NHS England and local commissioners
continue to raise awareness and education on the dangers of drinking alcohol while
pregnant and through midwives and health visitors. The Maternity Transformation Programme
works with the Royal Colleges and regulatory bodies to raise the profile of the CMOs’
guidelines and recommend it is included in training. The alcohol calorie consultation
will seek views on whether the provision of the UK CMOs’ low risk drinking guidelines,
including a pregnancy warning, should be mandatory or continue on a voluntary basis.</p>
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