There is no harm to child's intellectual development, if pregnant women take low doses of alcohol, as revealed by the British researchers.

The study was led by Yvonne Kelly, a scientist of the epidemiology and public health department at University College London and colleagues. The researchers analyzed the effect of small amount of alcohol taken by pregnant women on their child's brain.

The findings of the study that include that pregnant women drinking one or two alcoholic drinks a week don't harm the infant's intellectual development didn't elicit warm response from Waikato midwives and mothers.

Kelly Falconer, a midwife from River Ridge Birthing Centre for the last seven years stated that drinking during pregnancy would always be a `no-no' recommendation from midwives.

Similar response came from Clare Hutchinson, of Hamilton, who has been a midwife for 34 years expressed that though earlier, alcohol was recommended for pregnant women to ease the nerves or for lactating mothers, but still she was against suggesting alcohol for pregnant women.

"I don't think this study is very accurate, I personally wouldn't drink during pregnancy. The unborn child is the most important thing. Is a glass of wine really that important?" said Rebecca Kilsby, mother of a nine-month-old baby.

Nicola Starkey, Waikato University psychology department senior lecturer termed the study as unethical as it studied the effects of alcohol on unborn infants.