STAT+: 1 in 8 women drink during pregnancy. Experts dread the consequences
Recent data reveals that 1 in 8 pregnant women in the U.S. consume alcohol, a concerning trend that has been rising over the past decade. This increase in alcohol use during pregnancy is linked to significant health risks, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Experts warn that the potential consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure are being overlooked as societal attitudes towards drinking during pregnancy evolve.
- ▪More than 1 in 8 pregnant adults reported drinking alcohol in the past month.
- ▪A quarter of those who drank reported binge drinking, defined as having four or more drinks in one sitting.
- ▪Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a leading cause of neurodevelopmental conditions in the U.S.
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Danielle Campbell holds her 1-year-old son, Ezra, at their home in Birmingham, Ala. Campbell lived through almost a decade of unchecked alcohol addiction before becoming pregnant. The change was “instant,” she said — her desire to drink wiped away by her protective instincts over her child.Charity Rachelle for STAT STAT PlusThe Deadliest Drug 1 in 8 women drink during pregnancy. Experts dread the consequences Largely considered a problem of the past, prenatal alcohol exposure is still a leading driver of disability in the U.S. By Isabella CuetoMay 19, 2026 Isabella Cueto[email protected]Isabella is a chronic disease reporter writing about how the Trump administration is tackling the nation’s health epidemic — or not. You can reach her on Signal at isabellacueto.03.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at STAT.
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