The labelling on low alcohol drinks should be improved to ensure they are different from their alcohol-free counterparts amid growing popularity among pregnant women, experts suggest.

It comes as a survey found seven in 10 expectant mothers have opted for “no/lo” drinks while pregnant, despite more than half saying they feel there is insufficient information around them.

The study by the University of Plymouth, on behalf of Alcohol Change UK, looked at the views of more than 2,000 currently or recently pregnant women.

Some 71% said they had consumed a no/lo drink.

Of this group, some 72% said they were a safer alternative to alcohol, while 69% said they help them feel included in social events that involve drinking.

However, more than half the women surveyed (55%) said they did not receive any information about no/lo options from their midwife or GP.

Some 78% deemed drinks clearly labelled 0% or alcohol-free as ‘very acceptable’ during pregnancy and when breastfeeding (80%).

However, only 11% said low-alcohol drinks – between 0.5-1.2% ABV – were ‘very acceptable’ while pregnant, and 40% when breastfeeding.

Ailar Hashemzadeh, director of research and public affairs at Alcohol Change UK, said: “Many people try to avoid alcohol when pregnant, and the growing number of alcohol-free and low-alcohol beers, wines and cocktails offers a way to do that while still enjoying what feels like a ‘grown up’ drink.

“What this research has found, however, is that there is a lot of uncertainty and a lot of guesswork going on, particularly with drinks that aren’t completely alcohol-free.

“This sector of the drinks market seems set to keep on growing, and expectant parents would really benefit from clear advice from trusted professionals on when and how to use these drinks.”

Alcohol Change UK is now calling for more clarity around alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks during pregnancy, specifically those in the 0.05-1.2% ABV category.

Healthcare professionals should be provided with information on their consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding to ensure advice is consistent, while labelling on low-alcohol drinks should be improved to set them apart from alcohol-free drinks.

The charity also called for organisations providing advice to pregnant and breastfeeding women about alcohol to include specific advice about low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks.

Dr Kate Maslin, senior research fellow in maternal and child health at the University of Plymouth, and project lead, said: “Alcohol-free drinks have clearly found favour among pregnant and recently pregnant women as they look to make safer choices when socialising during pregnancy.

“Yet, what really shone through, both in the data and when speaking with individuals to explore their experiences and attitudes further, was a feeling that information about the safety and suitability of these alternatives, particularly from healthcare and pregnancy professionals, has not kept pace.”

Dr Maslin said that the World Health Organisation “advises there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy” and the growing popularity of no/lo products has led to “reliance on internet searching and social media for guidance on their use during pregnancy, both of which can contain misinformation or conflicting information”.

“Alongside further research into the safety and suitability of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks during pregnancy, it’s important that those engaging with and supporting pregnant women are equipped to give clear, consistent advice,” she added.