How Much Alcohol Is Safe to Drink When Pregnant?
While the medical literature has been clear for some time that there is no safe amount or period for alcohol consumption during pregnancy, some doctors have continued to suggest that limited use during later stages may not be harmful. Nevertheless, studies suggest even a single episode of consuming as little as two drinks may lead to loss of fetal brain cells (one drink = 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor). Recently, Surgeon General Richard Carmona urged national attention to the importance of complete abstinence during pregnancy. Said Dr. Carmona, “We must prevent all injury and illness that is preventable in society, and alcohol-related birth defects are completely preventable. We do not know what, if any, amount of alcohol is safe…When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her baby. Therefore, it’s in the best interest for a pregnant woman to simply not drink alcohol.” The Surgeon General also noted that despite public health advisories, significant
