Women drinking in pregnancy is nothing new. Until recently it was quite commonplace. Reaction to pregnant women drinking publicly can be over the top and wreak of parternalism even when it's another woman not minding her own business. Two waiters at a Red Robin just outside Seattle got fired for their overbearing obnoxious behavior. No question excessive drinking leads to alcohol fetal syndrome, increased number of miscarriages and still births. The question is how much is too much? A new study from Norway seems to indicate that moderate drinking does little damage to the fetus. I have to admit it's a well designed study but...
I get what the Norwegians are saying about overall safety but my feeling is why risk it? For some, nine months of no alcohol is a bigger sacrifice than for others. Put in context, however, against all the other sacrifices moms make for their children this is small potatoes. Alcohol is best avoided when pregnant especially in the first trimester. Your child deserves nothing less.
