Researchers from the Centre for Health Initiatives (CHI) at Wollongong University found that patient sensitivity was a barrier for many midwives and health professionals when recommending abstinence from alcohol to expectant mothers, as they did not wish to offend patients about their lifestyles.

CHI Director Professor Sandra Jones said this lack of information was potentially dangerous for pregnant women.

"It's a real problem, because mothers are not adequately aware of the dangerous effects alcohol can have on their baby," she said.

The CHI team's findings have been published in the International Journal of Midwifery in an article titled "Midwives and pregnant women talk about alcohol: what advice do we give and what do they receive?"

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is the most severe effect of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and has serious long-term effects on the foetus.

The syndrome has become more prevalent because of the naivety of new mothers regarding the risks of alcohol consumption.

Professor Jones said alcohol guidelines for pregnant and breast-feeding women should be widely communicated by professionals.

The research's findings encourage midwives to be better equipped with information and to advise mothers about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

"Given the clear evidence, it is obvious that there is a lack of awareness on the effects of alcohol on babies during pregnancy," Professor Jones said.