Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (cont.)
How much alcohol is safe during pregnancy?
Two approaches can be taken to this important question. One is the
rigorously scientific approach. It does not go beyond the facts: that most
children diagnosed with frank FAS have had overtly alcoholic mothers (who
drank at least eight to 10 drinks a day); that children born to women who had
four to six
drinks a day have had subtle signs of FAS/FAE; that at two drinks a day,
the only indisputable effect noted has been subtly lower birth weight; and
that below two drinks a day there is no concrete evidence for an effect on
the fetus. Thus, from a strictly scientific viewpoint, one cannot say that
one drink a day during pregnancy is dangerous to the baby.
The more common approach, and the favored one, is the
better-safe-than-sorry approach. This pragmatic position is espoused by
public-health experts. Witness the warning label on all alcoholic
beverages in the U.S. indicating that "according to the surgeon
general, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy
because of the risk of birth defects." This conservative approach is
also followed by most individuals and groups concerned with preventing
FAS/FAE. For example, the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
states, "No amount of alcohol has been proven safe to consume during
pregnancy. FAS and FAE...are 100% preventable when a pregnant woman
abstains from alcohol."
- Alcohol is capable of causing birth defects.
- FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome) always involves brain
damage.
- FAS always involves impaired growth.
- FAS always involves head and face abnormalities.
- No amount of alcohol has been proven safe during
pregnancy.
- Women who are or may become pregnant are advised to avoid alcohol.
For more information:
The Broken Cord by Michael Dorris (paperback
published in 1990 by Harper Collins, ISBN 0060916826).
Last Editorial Review: 4/9/2008
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