Pregnant Drinking OK, Meds Say

Reflecting their basis in scientific evidence rather than in speculation or ideology, most medical school textbooks on obstetrics condone drinking at some level by pregnant women. About one-third do not address the question. A minority of the textbooks go beyond the scientific medical evidence to recommend zero alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

While there is no medical evidence that drinking in moderation causes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), it is possible that consumption might have some as yet undetected and unknown negative consequence. Therefore, the very safest decision for pregnant women is to ignore the scientific evidence and abstain from alcohol during pregnancy.



  • Loop, K. Q., and Nettleman, M. D. Obstetrical textbooks: Recommendations about drinking during pregnancy. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2002, 23(2), 136-138.

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