Is it risky to drink small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy?

i think it is stupid, me personally! why even take a risk, if something did happen to your baby you would blame yourself... why even take a chance??? just to relax? is trying to relax worth your baby or the health of the baby???

I drank red wine during my last pregnancy. Moderation is the key. I don't know about it making you have an easier labor though, you'd probably have to drink the whole bottle for it to make a difference :)

The medical community has not been able to determine with any certainty exactly how much if any alcohol is safe for unborn babies. Because of that, I personally think it's not worth the risk. There are so many other ways to relax that do not pose any danger to the unborn, I think I'd steer clear.

Arent you the same one that told people they shouldnt complain when their pregnant and to have a natural childbirth? And yet you will drink alcohol when pregnant just to rest and relax? That seems odd to me. I would think an epidural would be safer than half a beer!

personally I wouldn't risk it. But I lived in Europe for a few years and they drink wine with pretty much every meal and yes serve pregnant women I didn't hear of a higher risk factor there. But for me I wouldn't do it.

It is important to remember that the placenta concentrates things, so if you are even feeling slightly tipsy, then you have had too much. That being said, I have read a lot about how have a small amount of wine to help relax is beneficial to the mother.
I think to each her own. I am not a drinker at all... when I wasn't pregnant my husband would buy me a girly drink when he got his beer and he always said it ended up being a waste because I would take 2 sips and be done. But some people genuinely enjoy the taste and that is a personal thing that shouldn't be judged.

hehe I didn't even notice who asked the question! :)

I know some studies have shown that a little bit might not be bad, but to me there is still uncertainty in that statement. I think alcohol is a luxery and an easy one to pass up at that. If it is so easy to pass up, why make the concious decision to take a gamble and drink anyway? I stayed away from alcohol during my pregnancy and I don't think a little bit or red wine here or ther when I was pregnant would have made me feel any better.

Anon9:47-yeah that sounds like something I would have posted :) I never said I was planning on drinking, I was just opening up a conversation. But oh yeah, a butt load of opium injected into your spine MUST be better than 1/2 glass of wine. Keep telling yourself that....lol

I wouldn't do it!!!!!! but one of my friends sister was drinking when she was 4 months... I felt shocked... embarrassed for her... it was just unbelieveable to see a pregnant woman drinking! I still can't believe it. but she had a boy and he is just fine!...