Alcohol during Pregnancy: Is It Really that Bad to Have a Drink When Pregnant?

Many doctors are worried that women are getting mixed signals when it comes to alcohol during pregnancy. Some research indicates that moderate consumption of alcohol is okay, but many specialists contend that this is not a green light to start drinking through pregnancy. The research is still fairly new, and doctors don’t yet have all the answers on potential negative effects. One thing that’s known for certain is that heavy alcohol consumption can lead to devastating birth defects. Both the March of Dimes and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that mothers completely abstain from alcohol during pregnancy.