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Drinks packaging and labels could carry new Department of Health guidelines advising women in England not to drink alcohol when pregnant or trying to conceive.

The guidelines, published today, make alcohol advice consistent across the UK.

Deputy chief medical officer Dr Fiona Adshead argued the advice could be included on alcohol packaging or labels.

The previous regulations for England recommended that pregnant women, or those trying to conceive, should limit their alcohol intake to two units once or twice a week.

Pregnant women who have followed the previous guidelines will not have put their baby at harm, according to the Department of Health.