THEN
Obviously, "alcohol has been around for thousands of years, with anthropological findings suggesting alcohol consumption at least as early as 10,000 B.C.[4], and most cultures showing alcohol use for thousands of years"(Tracy). In the past there was a lot less technology to warn against drinking while pregnant. There was not even a lot of worry or concern of the baby's well being. In 1973, researchers discovered fetal alcohol syndrome. With that, in the 1980s and 1990s there were many papers coming out about the concerns and problems of drinking while pregnant. These studies found behavioural, delivery, physical, and cognitive problems in children whose mothers drank “moderate” amounts of alcohol or more. But, during this time period if a women at a bar puked, "a quick rush of vodka and Coke and a few little things"(331), it would not be that abnormal.
Obviously, "alcohol has been around for thousands of years, with anthropological findings suggesting alcohol consumption at least as early as 10,000 B.C.[4], and most cultures showing alcohol use for thousands of years"(Tracy). In the past there was a lot less technology to warn against drinking while pregnant. There was not even a lot of worry or concern of the baby's well being. In 1973, researchers discovered fetal alcohol syndrome. With that, in the 1980s and 1990s there were many papers coming out about the concerns and problems of drinking while pregnant. These studies found behavioural, delivery, physical, and cognitive problems in children whose mothers drank “moderate” amounts of alcohol or more. But, during this time period if a women at a bar puked, "a quick rush of vodka and Coke and a few little things"(331), it would not be that abnormal.
NOW
First and foremost, we must always remember that anything more than the occasional drink is not a good idea when pregnant. It’s also pretty clear that the most damage is done in the first trimester, starting around week 7 or 8 when the baby's brain starts to develop. This is, of course, the time when most women start to feel an aversion to alcohol. And by now and again, the accepted definition is 1-2 drinks of standard size which is a 5oz glass of wine, not 8 per week, not the 0-3 drinks per day previous researchers used to think of as light drinking. By now, there are a lot more diseases that have been discovered and a lot stronger opinionated people. The topic has even traveled into the area of religion and child abuse. But, in the end, it is the mom's decision to binge drink, drink moderately, or not drink at all.
First and foremost, we must always remember that anything more than the occasional drink is not a good idea when pregnant. It’s also pretty clear that the most damage is done in the first trimester, starting around week 7 or 8 when the baby's brain starts to develop. This is, of course, the time when most women start to feel an aversion to alcohol. And by now and again, the accepted definition is 1-2 drinks of standard size which is a 5oz glass of wine, not 8 per week, not the 0-3 drinks per day previous researchers used to think of as light drinking. By now, there are a lot more diseases that have been discovered and a lot stronger opinionated people. The topic has even traveled into the area of religion and child abuse. But, in the end, it is the mom's decision to binge drink, drink moderately, or not drink at all.