A new study says drinking during the early stages of pregnancy has no effect on the child, but should you risk it?
The study from Denmark found that 5-year-olds whose mothers drank low to moderate levels of alcohol (between one and eight drinks a week) during early pregnancy showed no ill effects, but that any higher than “moderate” drinking was associated with lower attention spans among children.
According to the US News and World Report, researchers analyzed data from 1,600 women who classified their drinking during pregnancy as either none, low (one to four drinks a week), moderate (five to eight), or high (nine or more drinks a week). Binge drinking was classified as having five or more drinks on one occasion.
The results: Neither binge drinking nor low to moderate drinking during pregnancy had a significant effect on the children’s brain development. There was only a link between high levels of drinking and lower attention spans in children at age 5.
Experts warn, however, that further research is need and pregnant women should still avoid alcohol.
“These findings can easily send a very dangerous message to pregnant women,” said Bruce Goldman, director of Substance Abuse Services at the Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, N.Y.
“Women may underestimate and have difficulty acknowledging the frequency or quantity of alcohol consumed,” Goldman said. “Those suffering from alcoholism may attempt to rationalize that it is safe to drink moderately, something they may ultimately be unable to do.”
Doctors also warn there could be subtle changes that were not picked up in the study, and that it’s often difficult to accurately test younger children. Caution is advised!
