Epigenetics: Mother’s Nutrition — Before Pregnancy — May Alter Function Of Her Children’s Genes

I find this headline to be incredibly irresponsible. Shame on you, Huffington Post, for sensationalizing a very limited study which does not change any recommendation to abstain COMPLETELY from alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a very real condition which affects children in sometimes subtle but quite significant ways. To even suggest to someone that drinking during pregnancy has no effect is quite dangerous and irresponsible journalism. You certainly know that many just read headlines and not the stories contained within. A follow up article on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome would certainly be appropriate for your readers.

My mom drank moderately while she was pregnant with me. I was always in the top 3% of my class throughout my schooling, including college.

Why is someone reporting on medical research and solid science when they can't figure out how to spell "consequences"?

Grape juice in a wine glass and make believe.

You seem to think that Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is some sort of genetic crap-shoot, but that's not how it works. A woman who drinks an occasional glass of wine with dinner in her third trimester will not have a child with FAS. FAS is associated with heavy alcohol use.

You can not argue with some of these people. These are the "me" generation we're talking to. They are always right and entitled to do what they want when they want and others just have to deal with it. A few more babies with FASD is a small price to pay when compared to suggesting pregnant woman should avoid alcohol. Telling some women they shouldn't do something is high treason. Be very careful or you'll be branded a hater also.

Go ahed and climb down from your high horse. I didn't say that pregnant women should go down a six pack and light up a cigarette. All I said was that considering human history, this study's results are fairly obvious.

I think this is so stupid. With all the women out there who have drank and did drink, years ago when it wasn't frowned on, while pregnant who had no problems I think we all knew that you can do it and get away with it. The problem is you might do it and you kid may have problems. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is not imaginary. Birth defects and brain damage cannot always be erased. Sure you may not have problems like the thousands of women who don't. Or you may be genetically more prone to problems because of a weakness or deficiency somewhere and your baby could come out with FAS. Just like some health problems that developed latter on in life can be hereditary I believe there is a genetic weakness between the parents that can lead to birth problems. While couple a) could drink and have no problems its because something in their genetics are stronger while couple b) has a glass of wine and then the child comes out with FAS. It would be because their is a weakness in their genetics. My real questions is no matter what you think why even risk your child having life long problems just for a drink? Is it worth it? Cause if you think it is maybe you shouldn't have kids.

What mother would ever do this study???It says very clear in the study it's a SHORT TERM STUDY so the truth is yet again they have no real clue what the outcome will be to all these children.NO ONE NEEDS TO DRINK.It does nothing for a person health wise or any other.If you need to drink when you are pregnant then I think you have more issues then you think!!

I'm not advocating drinking during pregnancy, let me get that out of the way right away. I am on my third pregnancy and refuse to drink, and have refused through all 3. But I will say this: Pregnancy isn't easy. Yes, it's a wonderful, miraculous thing. Yes, it can be very peaceful. But I don't think a lot of people appreciate the HUGE list of things pregnant women can't do. The second a woman gets pregnant, everything changes. Even though you may not "feel" pregnant for quite a few months, you are still expected to immediately and automatically change a list of behaviors including diet, recreation, what kind of cleaners you can use, what you can do around the house, addictions they may have had for years (such as smoking or drinking)...it's tough and people judge you harshly if you don't rise to the challenge instantaneously. Especially if you aren't showing, you can't feel the baby, and besides some urine test and a missed period, there isn't much telling you you are pregnant. Women should use their own judgment and what they feel like their consciences can live with. Lots of people do everything "right" and still have a miscarriage, birth defects, or preterm labor. Lots of people do nothing "right" and still have perfectly healthy, beautiful babies.

So when I was preggo a few years ago, I drank 2 to 3 glasses per week of European red wine. I also did not drink soda, eat processed foods or non-organic foods when possible. I occasionally ate processed non-nitrate meats, avoided dairy from cows that did not eat grass and only ate wild caught fish. Starting the second trimester, I exercised at Baby Boot Camp, walked the dog, drank veggie shakes every day via the VitaMix and tried to get my Vitamin D from the sun. The point is that to solely focus on wine, beer or any other alcohol is short-sided and a bit ignorant. Today, my son is known as the Ambassador of his school, can count to 8, sing the ABC’s and do many other things most 22 month olds cannot do. Perhaps, moms who are expecting should honestly assess their diets and nutritional needs. At the risk of sounding paternal, when reading the label, if you cannot pronounce the ingredient or have never heard of it, it’s probably bad for baby.

Sometimes I'm embarrassed to be an American. The Puritans live. I remember hearing two friends, (one from Italy, the other from the Caribbean) discussing their shared wives tale that beer helps you keep producing milk if your milk won't come. Is it true? I have no idea. Behind this seemingly reasonable, "better-safe-than-sorry" mindset lurks an irrational ideology about maternal "purity."

Seriously, seriously, is staying away from the wine for a few months realllllyyyyy that hard?

My mother drankt when she were pregnanted with myself. I smart.