There is probably nowhere in the Torah that says pregnant women should stay away from alcohol but there is also nothing in the Torah about looking both ways when you cross the street. One must use Torah teachings together with common sense and current knowledge. In Torah times nobody knew about fetal alcohol syndrome. It wasn’t even a disease with a name until a few years ago. Now we know quite a bit about it so it obviously makes sense to avoid alcohol and tobacco when pregnant. Medical knowledge expands at a rapid rate and as we learn more we can take more steps to protect our health – example: a few year ago there was no flu vaccine – now most of us are advised to be immunized. Times change. When I was pregnant – over 40 years ago, my ob/gyn was quite elderly. At my first appointment he told me that it was wonderful that I smoked because I would have a smaller baby and, therefore, an easier time. Can you just imagine any doctor saying such a thing today!
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