Relaxing glass of wine could create health ‘timebomb’

“Women in their role as mother or carer use alcohol to cope with exhaustion,anxiety,isolation and with stressful life events,” Prof Gilmore said.

“Alcohol is a sedative and a relaxant but used on a regular basis can really put people at high risk. Women are storing up a health timebomb by drinking this regularly.

“My fear is that such women are at risk of developing liver disease or becoming alcohol dependent,” the expert added.

A survey found half of all British mothers drank at home at least three or four nights a week.