It is reported that over 10,000 midwives will be trained in highlighting the dangers of drinking alcohol to pregnant women, all paid for by the drinks giant Diageo.

The BBC reports, the Department of Health hopes the initiative will help over a million mothers to be over three years, although the British Medical Association (BMA) has expressed concern over such programmes being financed by the drinks industry.

The network was informed that midwives were one of the most trusted sources of information and advice for pregnant women, by Public Health Minister Anne Milton, who also said the pledge was a great example of how business could work with NHS staff to provide over a million women with valuable information over the next three years, helping them make informed decisions about drinking during pregnancy.

Pregnant women are advised against drinking alcohol by the Government guidance, however, if they do then only one to two units should be taken, once or twice a week.

The Department of Health said the UK Infant Feeding Survey 2005 suggested 34% of women gave up drinking while pregnant, 61% drank less and 4% did not change their drinking pattern.