Evidence Is 'Sparse' That Light Drinking In Pregnancy Is Risky, But So Is Evidence That It's Safe

No question, the evidence that heavy drinking during pregnancy is risky is incontrovertible.

 Is light drinking while pregnant okay? Here's what the evidence says

There are still a lot of unknowns about the effects of alcohol on the fetus — such as why some women can drink quite a lot during pregnancy with little effect on their children while others can't. But for now, the preponderance of evidence suggests light drinking during pregnancy probably isn't harmful. As the evidence evolves, however, that conclusion might change.

 Stop Policing Women’s Bodies: Recording Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy Is Wrong

A new proposal being considered by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests that women could have their alcohol consumption recorded during pregnancy. One writer considers this a gross threat to women’s rights...

 These policies were supposed to stop pregnant women from drinking. A new study says they’re hurting babies.

Forty-three states have policies targeting pregnant women who drink. Researchers say they’re backfiring.

 We know shockingly little about the effects of drinking during pregnancy

Even obstetricians are deeply divided.

 Why Warning Pregnant Women Not to Drink Can Backfire

Harsh measures, or even threats of them, can lead to the avoidance of prenatal care entirely.

Wine While Pregnant? Why Not?

In many European countries women aren't advised or expected to give up drinking while pregnant. In fact, many doctors there go as far as recommending a glass or two of wine a week

America’s laws about alcohol during pregnancy are more about restricting reproductive rights than reducing harmful drinking

British women may enjoy a glass of wine every now and then during pregnancy, but in the United States, drinking while pregnant is fraught. Forty-three US states have regulations around the practice, which range from prohibiting criminal prosecution of pregnant women who drink alcohol to mandating rehab for pregnant women who drink alcohol.

Bilge, booze and misogyny: why I'm outraged by a new idea to police pregnant women

Perhaps I should be more shocked by the latest proposal to control women. But what else can you expect in this supremely sexist era?

Both Parents’ Drinking Habits Matter When They’re Trying to Have a Baby

Reproductive health has long focused on the pregnant person's behavior—but their partner's lifestyle is important, too.

Drinking A Small Amount Of Alcohol During Pregnancy Can Impact A Child’s Brain Development, Says Study

While experts continue to debate how much alcohol is safe during pregnancy, many clinicians err on the side of safety and recommend that expecting people should cut it out altogether.

Drinking During Pregnancy and Childhood Academics

There is conflicting advice out there about drinking a small amount, particularly of wine, during pregnancy. Some research has said it may even be beneficial. Today the National Bureau of Economic Research says that's wrong.

Drinking While Pregnant

Do women really need to abstain completely?

Drinking While Pregnant: An Inconvenient Truth

Recommending that pregnant women not drink alcohol has been called old-fashioned and even patriarchal. So, as a feminist, my opinion may come as a surprise.

Pediatricians Say Absolutely No Drinking While Pregnant

Sure, you know you're not supposed to drink while pregnant. But what about those glasses of wine you had before you found out? Is a little OK in the third trimester? Or when you're anxious and can't sleep? Those are the kinds of questions that women keep asking about pregnancy and alcohol. And science has not been a huge help in providing answers, though that's getting better.

Protect Your Womb From the Devil Drink

Let’s talk about the CDC’s bonkers new alcohol guidelines for women.

Study: A Drink Per Day During Pregnancy Seems Safe

Kids whose mothers drank "moderately" scored just as well on a balance test at age ten. This adds to a growing body of evidence that women may not have to stay away from all alcohol during pregnancy.

The problem of drinking in pregnancy – and what to do about it

Research has also found that the UK has one of the highest predicted prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in the world. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is the most severe form of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.

What if I Got Wasted Before Finding Out I'm Pregnant?

If you're really struggling to give up the sauce, Carusi suggests seeking professional help, but you don't need to dwell on that one night.

Women need better information about drinking in pregnancy

How much do you know about the guidance on drinking in pregnancy? Most are aware of the “don’t drink” message. But if you’re an expectant mother, or someone who’s job involves giving advice, our new study shows that the abstinence message can feel too simplistic.