Rachel Weisz has sparked controversy by suggesting it is okay for pregnant women to drink alcohol.

The actress, who recently gave birth to her first child, has been criticised by health groups after saying it is "fine" for expectant mothers to have some wine after three months.

In an interview to promote current release The Fountain Weisz was asked for her views on the hotly debated issue. "Personally I do," she said. "They say not in the first three months though, but I think that after that it's fine. I mean in Europe they drink it".

She added that there were some definite 'nos' for pregnant women, however. "Like, you shouldn't eat raw meat when you're pregnant," she explained. "There are basic rules that I'm sure the doctor will tell you."

Campaigners and experts questioned her comments. Dr Raja Mukherjee, of St George's Hospital Medical School in London, said: "If Rachel Weisz has drunk during her pregnancy and the baby is fine then that's just pure luck. The problem is that you don't know who is at risk and who is not."

Sharon Fleisher, founder of the National Organisation of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, added: "Damage to a foetus can be caused throughout the whole nine months of pregnancy. I think that the comment that she made is dangerous. It is very irresponsible because she is not an expert and she doesn't know the full effects alcohol can have on an unborn child."

Weisz gave birth to Henry Chance in May, the son of her fiance Darren Aronofsky, director of The Fountain.