Importance of complete abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy: enough evidence for justification?

The association between daily and binge alcohol-drinking episodes during pregnancy and the range of malformations and deficits seen in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is well described in the literature. However, there is little evidence for low-dose prenatal ethanol exposure and child deficit. This article uses a structured approach to consider the evidence for an association between low-dose prenatal alcohol exposure and neurodevelopmental deficits in children. There is consistent evidence in numerous animal experiments for lasting CNS changes associated with low levels of exposure to alcohol. In epidemiological studies, there is evidence of differences in behavior in children exposed to low doses of alcohol. The results of animal and human studies support current recommendations for complete abstinence from alcohol after conception.