Years of focus on the risks to cocaine-exposed babies drew attention from the risk of alcohol use during pregnancy. Drinking among pregnant women increased from 1992 to 1995 after having gone down in the late 1980s and early 1990s. From 9.5 percent of pregnant women drinking in 1992, there were 15.3 percent in 1995, said an article in the August Obstetrics and Gynecology journal. The authors are with the Centers for Disease Control. TOO MUCH Studies showing benefits from moderate drinking may confuse people who incorrectly assume that applies to pregnant women, too, those researchers say.
Many women realize intense, heavy drinking during pregnancy can cause damage.
They aren't as aware of the potential danger of moderate or mild drinking. Some doctors still tell patients mild or moderate drinking won't hurt the embryo or fetus, a claim many alcohol and child-development experts dispute. Drinking can cause damage before they realize they are, said Kathleen Mitchell, addictions counselor with the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Washington. Wine, beer or hard liquor, the type of alcohol doesn't matter. What matters is the potential for serious damage.