While the findings of the meta-analysis should reassure women who have consumed alcohol at low levels during pregnancy, the risk of fetal growth and preterm birth increased with an average of two ‘standard’ drinks per day. Women should be aware that estimating the quantity of alcohol in a beverage is difficult and that the term ‘standard’ drink, used by researchers to quantify prenatal alcohol exposure, does not necessarily equate to one serving of alcohol.
Author: Colleen M O'Leary
Date: April 2012