No Tie Between Light Drinking During Pregnancy, Child's Development: Study

"It's been known for decades that heavy drinking during pregnancy on a regular basis can lead to significant problems for your baby, the most notable of which is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome," he said.

"Doctors have also known that an occasional drink during pregnancy is probably not a problem for your baby, especially if it is after the first trimester," he said. "This is based on the observation that the incidence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in countries where light alcohol consumption with dinner is commonplace and is no different from the incidence of the same disorder in countries where any alcohol consumption during pregnancy is considered taboo."

Eddleman said the new study "begins to provide some objective information on this issue."

SOURCES: Keith Eddleman, M.D., director, obstetrics, and senior member, division of maternal-fetal medicine in the department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science, the Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City; BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, news release, April 16, 2013

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Published: April 2013