Curriculum for Addiction Professionals > Competency 1: Introduction to FASD > 6. Changes in U.S. Perspectives on Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
Competency 1: Introduction to FASD
Changes in U.S. Perspectives on Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
It has taken some time for the United States to recognize the dangers of alcohol
use during pregnancy. Although no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy
has been determined, some physicians still tell their patients that it is okay to
have a drink "now and then." Even people who knew alcohol could harm a
fetus were reluctant to say anything to
pregnant friends or relatives for fear of causing undue stress or jeopardizing the
relationship.
In the past couple of decades, attitudes and practices have begun to change. In
1981, the Surgeon General recommended warnings against alcohol use during pregnancy.
Congress passed the Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act in 1988, which required alcoholic
beverage labels to carry a warning about birth defects. Today, 19 States and the
District of Columbia have laws requiring warning signs at the point of sale about
the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy.
In February 2005, the Surgeon General issued an updated advisory on alcohol and
pregnancy. He urged pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant to abstain
from drinking alcohol. His advisory also urged health professionals to inquire routinely
about alcohol consumption by women of childbearing age and advise them about the
risks of drinking while pregnant.
Despite these warnings, 1 in 9 pregnant women drinks alcohol. Nearly 1 in 20 pregnant
women engage in binge drinking (four or more drinks in
about two hours).2 In addition, more
than half of all pregnancies are unplanned.13
Women who binge drink before conceiving are more likely to engage in other risky
behaviors, including drinking during pregnancy.14