Drinking before and during early pregnancy – exactly how harmful is it?Researchers analyzed data from more than 56 hundred pregnant women who were interviewed when they were 15 weeks along. All were asked about their alcohol consumption before pregnancy and up to that point including how much they drank and when or if they stopped.60 percent of the participants reported drinking during that time period. Their alcohol consumption was classified as occasional, low, moderate, or heavy. Pregnancy outcomes were then tracked and the results showed no association between alcohol consumption before 15 weeks and the odds of reduced birth weight, small gestational size, preeclampsia or preterm birth. Neither the level of drinking nor the timing altered the results.Despite these findings, experts urge caution. Both The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the March of Dimes urge women to avoid alcohol entirely when pregnant. I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV with news you can use for healthier living.
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