Drinking Alcohol While Pregnant
It is well known that in the early part of the 20th century, there was less information on the effects of alcohol on the fetus. Therefore, many expecting mothers did not modify their alcohol intake to care for their babies. However, today, we now know that the excess consumption of alcohol while pregnant can lead to disorders such as alcohol fetal syndrome, a condition which severely impacts the quality of life of the child, as well as having effects on the way the baby looks (their is a distinct set of features connected with alcohol fetal syndrome).
The other night, I was having dinner with some friends of mine who are expecting their first child. To my surprise, the expecting mother was indulging in some sparkling wine. I could not believe it. Being that we live in Southern California, an epicenter of health-nuts, I was sure that there was something wrong here.
However, when I began questioning her, she told me that her doctor had approved the intake of a glass or so a couple of times a week, of wine. She said that it was perfectly find during the first and last trimesters, but not okay during the second trimester.
Perhaps it’s a California thing, but if I had a wife who was carrying my child, I would never let her drink any alcohol. It just doesn’t seem right to me.
