Levels of hazardous drinking among young women has risen in the last 10 years which could mean a potential increase in foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, the Alcohol Advisory Council (Alac) says.
The rate of hazardous drinking among women aged 25 to 34 has risen from 14 to 18 percent since 2000.
"Binge drinking is a major issue for many New Zealanders and some women are continuing to drink while pregnant," Alac chief executive Gerard Vaughan said.
There was no safe level of drinking at any stage of pregnancy and health professionals needed to give consistent advice to pregnant women, he said.
Tomorrow is foetal alcohol spectrum disorder awareness day and Alac has an application with Food Standards Australia New Zealand for health advisory labels on alcohol to warn against drinking when pregnant.
"Friends and families also have a role in supporting and encouraging pregnant women to not drink while pregnant," Mr Vaughan said.