The nine per cent of pregnant women in Bradford who binge drink have been warned their actions could lead to permanent health problems in their children.

Bradford Council’s health department issued the warning ahead of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day on Monday.

The disorder covers a range of symptoms caused by drinking while pregnant, including learning difficulties, poor short-term memory, not knowing appropriate social boundaries and difficulties interacting with others.

The government advises women who are trying to conceive and in their first three months of pregnancy to avoid alcohol.

Councillor Ralph Berry, the Council’s portfolio holder for children and young people, said “We need to reduce the number of babies who are damaged because their mothers have drunk too much alcohol at a crucial time during the development of their baby. The damage can be permanent.”