Pregnant women have been told a zero-tolerance approach to drinking alcohol is the safest option, as a new report highlights the inconsistencies in the information provided to expectant mothers.

The study by the University of Canberra (UC) and funded by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) found there was confusion about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

FARE chief executive Michael Thorn said alcohol consumption during pregnancy increased the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and low birth weights.

But he said awareness of these risks remained low, with one in five Australian women continuing to drink alcohol after becoming aware of their pregnancy.

The report analysed 110 news items from print, online and television about alcohol and pregnancy between January 1, 2013 and October 31, 2014.

UC researchers also interviewed 20 Canberra women who were pregnant, with young children or planning to become pregnant.

"Out of 110 news items analysed, only 44 stories mentioned that women are currently advised not to drink, and of those only 20 mentioned the Australian alcohol guidelines specifically," UC lead researcher Dr Kate Holland said.

"It was clear from our research that some women draw on contested evidence conveyed through the media to explain their belief that the occasional alcoholic drink during pregnancy is safe and to question the abstinence message."

According to the research, 40 per cent of the news stories mentioned women were advised not to consume any alcohol while pregnant, but 28 per cent implied that a certain amount of alcohol consumption was safe.

Dr Holland said the results highlighted an inconsistency in the information presented to pregnant women.

The release of the study coincides with a new campaign launched by the ACT Government to help solve the confusion about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

The Women Want to Know campaign aims to encourage health professionals to talk "openly and honestly" with pregnant women, allowing them to effectively manage their own practices during pregnancy.

"The main purpose of this initiative is to encourage health professionals and women to discuss the issue openly and honestly," Dr Holland said.

"Women want to be part of the conversation, they have their own knowledge based on their own pregnancy experiences, their peers and family members."

But Mr Thorn said once given correct information, the research also emphasised the rights of pregnant women to make their own choices about what to do or not do during pregnancy as well as their right not to be morally judged for their choices.