GirlsGuideTo | WTF? New Study Says Preggo Drinking Ok?

Contrary to what we all have been taught, a new study suggests that drinking alcohol in moderation may not be as big of a deal as we once thought. In their study of more than 1,600 pregnancies, they found that light to moderate drinking (as many as 8 drinks per week) had no effect on attention, self-control, intelligence or general health of babies in their first five years. But, is this really the green light? Do we want to open up this can of worms?

Experts in the US are quick to point out that the standard glass of wine in Denmark is about two ounces smaller than in the US, and others say that larger-scale studies need to be conducted before these findings alter pregnant women's notions about drinking.

As TIME points out, the bottom line here is that an occasional drink during pregnancy isn't worth feeling guilty about, but women should remember that fetal alcohol spectrum disorders remain the largest cause of cognitive disabilities in children, which is why all alcohol consumption during pregnancy should be taken seriously.

Our verdict: WTF? While I completely agree that a drink with dinner occasionally is nothing to fret about, I don’t even think we should go there. I saw a discussion over this topic on the Today Show yesterday and a blogger made a really great point. Why would you even put yourself in that situation? It’s a slippery, slippery slope. I get it, I love wine and the thought of giving it up for basically an entire year makes me sad, but I don’t think in the situation I’d feel comfortable drinking.

Not to mention, we’ve been taught that zero alcohol is the healthy way to go, and I think it would be shocking to see a pregnant woman drinking (or smoking for that matter) in public. Just think about the times we see Betty and her friends drinking and smoking while pregnant on Mad Men – it’s shocking isn’t it?

What do you think? Does this study change your mind about what makes a healthy pregnancy? Should we really even go there?

Comments

Posted by Anonymous on June 22, 2012 at 1:19 PM

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I agree. In other parts of the world it is perfectly normal for pregnant women to have a glass of wine. And in europe they are generally healthier than we are in America. Yes alcohol is always a slippery slope whether pregnant or not, but if you're a responsible person you should know the difference btw an occasional glass and over doing it.

Posted by Anonymous on June 22, 2012 at 12:58 PM

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I don't know, I think that depending on your weight, what you've eaten, and what you're drinking, that it might not be as big a deal that everyone wants it to be. Red wine has so many health benefits, that a glass a day (again depending) could do more good than harm.
Either way, it's the mothers' choice to do what she wants with her body, so long as she takes responsibility for her actions.

Posted by Anonymous on June 22, 2012 at 12:24 PM

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I don't care what "studies" say. Any doctor you talk to will tell you that SCIENTIFICALLY no amount of alcohol has been proven safe. I want my babies to be as healthy as possible and drinking even one glass is a big no no to me.