How much proven, peer-reviewed, scientifically sound research has been conducted on pregnant women...?

who have had the occasional beer (say, once a month) and whose infant still suffered from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)? Why is it that, in my mother's generation for instance, women continued smoking and drinking during pregnancy (though in more limited amounts) and there appears to be no research or evidence to suggest that FAS, or any other drug-related health problems, was more frequent in the children of these women? Furthermore, why is it that women are told that NO amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy, yet may at the same time be prescribed, say, 60 mg of Paxil (paroxetine) per day to fight off their depression? Or anti-seizure medication, like clonazepam? I ask because it seems there is a strange double-standard when it comes to pharmaceuticals and alcohol in very small amounts.

I'm actually trying to relieve my conscience because I had a beer last night and feel particularly stupid for doing so, because I didn't think it was a problem. But now, I'm not so sure. And am freaking myself out.

Don't beat yourself up. That isn't going to help anything.

Every person metabolizes alcohol differently, so there is no way of knowing what a safe level of consumption would be. Since it is impossible to identify a safe dose, they advise abstinence. It is a way for them to cover their butts.

I do agree that there is a bit of a double standard when it comes to drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. There is a difference, though. Most doctors only advise drugs if they are medically necessary while pregnant. Alcohol is never necessary.

Sounds like you are desperately trying to justify drinking while pregnant. You are right, there is no guarantee that small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy will cause FAS. But clearly any alcohol consumption during gestation poses some risk to the fetus.
Unlike the meds you mentioned, however, alcohol has NO therapeutic benefit to the mother. Accordingly, the risk/benefit analysis becomes moot with regard to alcohol. So, you tell me, since we know there is a risk to the fetus and no benefit to the mother, how could the recommendation be anything other than NO alcohol.??

I didn't have to read the second half of that to know that you are making a very poor attempt at justifying drinking while pregnant.

It is harmful, there is proof. Don't do it!

Its a well known fact that doctors..are in cahoots with the phamecuetical corps and do accordingly..so have your one beer..girl..i wouldnt do it more than once a week...a good feiend of our family is a retired doctor and he said drs these days will tell yu anything..the drug companies..suck up to the drs and they push their drugs..period.You neverrrr hear of a alcohol companie trying to smooze doctors now do you??ha ha its a ll a big game to them rich cats...vote democrat and have a brew..get those repubs out of office they are only for the big corps and dont really care about the us. ;0)