by Yvette Durham

Created on: February 01, 2008

This debate has been one that has rattled incessantly on for many years and it still shows no signs of abating. Many people seemingly have an opinion yet there are those who are simply confused by the ever-changing word of the medical profession.

The latest official advice is to abstain from alcohol almost completely whilst pregnant. Indeed, my own doctor echoes this to me in my fourth month of pregnancy. The extremely occasional half glass of wine is permitted with food on that special occasion but otherwise none at all. As aptly stated in my very own pregnancy Bible, 'What to Expect when you're Expecting':

"even moderate consumption (one to two drinks daily or occasional heavy bingeing on five or more drinks), if it occurs throughout pregnancy, is related to a variety of serious problems, including increased risk of miscarriage, prematurity, labor and delivery complications, low birth weight, stillbirth, abnormal growth, and developmental problems in childhood."

The book continues to say that there is no evidence to support that it is a safe bet to just have the odd glass of wine in the evening, despite bearing a healthy baby.

"All that is known about alcohol and pregnancy has prompted the Surgeon General to advise that no amount of alcohol is safe for pregnant women."

So there we have it; in no uncertain terms- no, a few drinks during pregnancy are not ok.

Many expectant mother's who enjoy a daily tipple still continue to protest that- just as there is no evidence to suggest the odd glass of wine every evening is safe- there is equally no evidence to the contrary. One thing I urge these women to heed is:

"..each drink a pregnant woman takes is shared with her baby. Since it takes the fetus twice as long as its mother to eliminate the alcohol from its system, the baby can be at the point of passing out when the mother is just pleasantly tipsy." ('What to Expect when you're Expecting')

Personally, I find it a little tough to relate to any mother-to-be who would do something to risk causing harm to their unborn baby. We forget that alcohol is a poison; it is just a legal one. Alcohol-related illness and deaths in this country are staggering- I have had to watch my two Uncles struggle unsuccessfully with alcohol addiction and die terrible deaths. Of course, I don't expect any pregnant lady to drink to that degree but it still potentially poses danger for your tiny vulnerable baby so don't, as the saying goes, play with fire.

Yes, I know you're mother has no doubt

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