While it has long been accepted that consuming large amounts of alcohol during a pregnancy can be extremely harmful to the unborn baby, recent research is showing that consuming a small amount ofwine during pregnancydoes not seem to be harmful, and in some cases, might even be beneficial.  It seems that there is a lot of conflicting information out there, and it leaves pregnant women wondering:is wine safeto drink during their pregnancy?

A recent UK study looked at cognitive and behavioral issues in 3-year-old children and interviewed their mothers as to alcohol usage during the pregnancy.  As expected, the children of those who drank heavily showed the biggest behavioral problems and lapses in cognitive ability.  What was surprising however was that those mothers who consumed small amounts ofwine during pregnancyhad children who performed better than those who had abstained altogether.

For the purposes of the study, a small amount, or light drinking was classified as no more than two small drinks (4 oz. of wine, or 10 oz. of weak beer) on one occasion, and no more than two occasions occurring per week.  The study found no difference in effects between women who drank these small amounts somewhat regularly, and those who drank once or twice during the course of their pregnancy.

Since this study is relatively new, major policy-making bodies in the UK, as well as those in the US, still recommend drinking nowine during pregnancy, just to be on the safe side.  In light of the new information however, one major UK body has suggested that it is quite all right for women to drink lightly during the second and third trimesters, but advocate complete abstinence in the first.

With this information, it seems that women, who wish to drink a small amount ofwine during pregnancy, can do so without worrying about doing their unborn child harm.  Since the health benefits of drinking moderate amounts of red wine have been well-documented, some women may not wish to give it up altogether during pregnancy.  Of course, if you have any misgivings at all, it’s probably best to abstain altogether.

When in doubt, feel free to ask your doctor,is wine safe?Chances are, she will have her own opinion on the matter, and will be happy to share her reasons with you.  A good OB/GYN will stay current on the latest research and will be able to apply it to your situation. As with so many other things, the matter of drinkingwine during pregnancyseems to be resolved with the idea that moderation is key.  If you have any doubts at all about your ability to limit yourself to two or less small glasses no more than twice a week, you might consider abstaining altogether.  If that is in any way a problem, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.

Drinkingwine during pregnancyis not necessarily a bad thing, so if you can exercise moderation, you can probably do it in a safe manner.