Well, nay-sayers, prepare to be proven wrong. All of you snarky mamas who glared at me nursing my 3 1/2-year-old on the NYC subway, prepare to be amazed. And to all of my family and friends who wanted to chastise me about nursing a walking, talking, thinking, laughing little man named Fred, thanks for holding your tongues. Because we did it.
Alcohol Birth Defects, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Other Fetal Alcohol Effects. Mothers who consume alcohol while pregnant may give birth to babies with one of the following three health problems: alcohol birth defects, fetal alcohol syndrome and alcohol related neurological disorders.
Alcohol consumption should be completely avoided during pregnancy. Although there is no concrete evidence that caffeine causes birth defects, some studies indicate an increased risk of miscarriage. It is best to be cautious and limit consumption of coffee and caffeinated beverages. If you must drink coffee, drink decaf.