Nearly half of Irish mothers admit to binge drinking when they are pregnant.
An International study has revealed that alcohol use during pregnancy is prevalent and socially pervasive in Ireland.
Three existing studies were reviewed for the research - in Ireland, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
It found drinking during pregnancy was commonplace in all four countries.
Ireland has the highest prevalence of any alcohol consumption during pregnancy at 82 per cent - and pre pregnancy at 90 per cent.
45 per cent of women binge drink here in the first trimester of their pregnancy, although the rate falls to point-four per cent in the second trimester.
Also expectant mothers in Ireland are significantly more likely to be drinkers if they are also smokers.
Master of the National Maternity Hosptial Dr Rhona Mahoney says there are many detrimental effects to drinking alcohol while pregnant:
