For several years now, studies have proven that heavy alcohol drinking during pregnancy is very dangerous for the fetus and may cause terrible birth defects. Even moderate drinking during pregnancy can damage the baby's chances of survival or for avoiding defects. The message is very clear: Do not drink any alcohol at all during your pregnancy.
Heavy drinking during pregnancy results in what is known as the "fetal alcohol syndrome". These unfortunate babies have growth retardation in height, in weight, and in their head sizes, along with facial abnormalities, heart defects and worst of all, mental deficiency. The neo-natal wards of hospitals are filled with these heartwrenching cases, all the more painful to witness because virtually all of them could have been avoided.
The more alcohol you drink, the greater the chances of your baby being born with this syndrome. Unfortunately, there is no treatment at all for it. Prevention is the key. Eliminate all alcohol as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.