For all those women who dread the coming nine months of pregnancy without even an occasional glass of wine to help them through, there may be some light relief! Researchers have found that light drinking, in the form of one to two units of alcohol per week, or only on special occasions, could be beneficial to your child's development.

Abstaining not the answer
In new research brought out by University College London, the scientists found that children who were born to mothers who drank lightly, as opposed to those who abstained or drank heavily, were more likely to be calmer children. The study found that small doses of alcohol did not harm the baby's cognitive development and in many cases, may have been beneficial to the child.

Cooler kids
The study looked at the drinking habits of the mothers of nearly 12,500 three year olds in the UK and it was found that children born to light drinkers were said to have less behavioural problems than others. 40% were less likely to have problems with bad behaviour and conduct, and 30% were less likely to be hyperactive. It was also found that girls born to light drinkers were 30% less likely to have problems socialising and emotional issues within their peer group.

Dr Yvonne Kelly of University College London led the study, published in the International Journal Of Epidemiology. She said that even though light drinking is a common trait of the wealthier classes, the outcome was largely independent of class or social status. "Indeed, for some behavioural and cognitive outcomes, those born to light drinkers were less likely to have problems compared to children of abstinent mothers, although those born to heavy drinkers were more likely to have problems compared to children of mothers who drank nothing while pregnant.

"It may also be that light drinking mothers tend to be more relaxed themselves and this contributes to better behavioral and cognitive outcomes."

Government Guidelines
The UK government recommends that women abstain from drinking at least for the first three months of pregnancy due to the risk of miscarriage. What those women choose to do afterwards could indeed harm or benefit their child.