by Allison Gamble Nutritionist/Diet Technician Highland Park Hospital, Illinois

Question:

Is it okay for someone that is five months pregnant to have a glass of wine or a beer for her 21st birthday?

Answer:

Turning 21 is so exciting. Many people eagerly await the day when they can legally enter a bar to socialize and have a few beers with their friends.

However, being pregnant on your 21st birthday can alter your plans pretty drastically! Many people wonder what amount of alcohol is safe to consume during pregnancy. Unfortunately, studies haven't concluded what levels of alcohol to consume are safe, so the Surgeon General recommends all alcohol be avoided during pregnancy.

Some studies have shown moderate consumption of alcohol is not linked to any measurable adverse outcomes of pregnancy. The key word in that sentence is measurable. The problem with this statement is that the effects might not be noticed. There is no way, as of now, to know if one drink has a long term effect on the fetus. Also keep in mind everyone is different chemically and alcohol affects us all individually.

I always like to consider what the fetus is going through at the various stages before birth. Throughout your pregnancy, the fetus is still developing, and its organs are not fully equipped to filter the alcohol, therefore, the alcohol's effect on the baby will be far greater than the effect you will feel. Why put that kind of strain on your child?

I fully understand the desire to finally legally drink alcohol, but for now, why not put your baby's best interests first, and choose a non-alcoholic drink to celebrate?