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  HelloLife Guest Topic Started October 19 2011 at 11:23 am Favorite 0

  What about having just one glass of wine when I’m pregnant?

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  Dr. Jeff Chamberlain, MD Answered by Health Coach Dr. Jeff Chamberlain, MD
  October 19 2011 at 11:23 am

  This is a dangerous question, because I get worried that if I tell people what the evidence shows, than some women will take it the wrong way and think it is okay to drink in pregnancy.

  It is important to know that alcohol is the leading preventable cause of both mental retardation and birth defects. Mothers drinking alcohol before and during pregnancy does cause: growth deficiencies, facial deformities, central nervous impairment, behavioral disorders, and impaired intellectual development. Alcohol in pregnancy increases the chances of low birth weight, miscarriage, and still birth.

  That being said there is a decent amount of observational evidence that having an occasional drink during pregnancy does not cause these problems. Taking folic acid (which is found in prenatal vitamins) is a way to protect your child.

  Remember, pregnancy is a special time in your life and your child is developing crucial organs. Make sure you are being responsible with your choices.

  Stay Healthy, Dr. Jeff M.D.

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