Researchers are warning about the amount of alcohol being drunk by pregnant women in Ireland.

Three existing studies were reviewed for research by teams in UCC, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, which has been published today.

One report shows more than 45 per cent of women here binge drink in the first trimester of their pregnancy, although the rate falls to point-four per cent in the second trimester.

Analysts say more than 75 per cent of pregnancies here are exposed to alcohol at some point.

They are warning that drinking during pregnancy is highly prevalent and 'socially pervasive' in Ireland and other western countries.

Dr Peter Boylan, Consultant Obstetrician at the National Maternity Hospital, spoke to The Right Hook about the findings.

"Ireland has a well known dysfunctional relationship with attitude, so it shouldn't be a great surprise that that carries over to pregnancy," Dr Boylan told George.

"Other studies show a lower level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and of binge drinking - for example [one study] showed that only 3% of women were binge drinking in pregnancy. But obviously any binge drinking during pregnancy needs to be avoided," he added.

You can listen back to the interview below:

Dr Rhona Mahony, Master of the National Maternity Hospital, spoke to The Pat Kenny Show today, and said the findings are "very disappointing but perhaps not surprising".

Dr Mahony warned that it is important to remember that many of those women who have drank alcohol during their pregnancy “might be drinking one unit occasionally during pregnancy," although the stats regarding binge drinking is "a real concern".

Listen to the full interview with Dr Mahony below: