Alcohol, in Moderation, Safe During Pregnancy?

A glass of wine per day may not be harmful to an unborn baby, according to a new study.

Women, who are at least three months pregnant, can drink 1.5 servings of alcohol per day without any risk of side effects in their baby, according to a study conducted by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in London.

Click here to read the Times of London story

The recommendation contradicts the Department of Health’s suggestion that pregnant women, or those trying to conceive, should cut out alcohol consumption altogether. The British Medical Association (BMA) reported earlier this year that drinking during pregnancy can cause learning and physical disabilities and behavioral problems in the baby.

The NICE guidelines, which will be published in March, stated that there has been no clear evidence proving that women, who are in their third month or more of pregnancy and consume 1.5 servings of alcohol per day, will put their unborn child at risk for behavioral or other problems.

Risks of birth defects, miscarriage and behavioral problems were taken into account, and researchers said that women should avoid alcohol, particularly during the first trimester, because drinking could lead to a higher risk of miscarriage.