"Alcohol is a dirty drug," said Dr. James R. West, head of the department of anatomy and neurobiology at the Texas A&M medical school. "It affects a number of different neurotransmitters, and all cells can take it up."

According to West, drinking affects different sites in the fetal brain. For instance, drinking in the first trimester can lead to facial malformations, while in the second it can disrupt nerve formation in the brain. In the third trimester, drinking can destroy existing neurons and interfere with nervous-system development.

Eventually, the research could lead to the development of a medication that would protect the brains of developing fetuses in pregnant women who cannot stop drinking.

"The idea of giving drugs to pregnant women is controversial," said Dr. Michael E. Charness, an associate professor of neurology at Harvard University. "Drugs may have their own risks. But the rate of drinking is high. And the women won't stop drinking despite interventions. It might be reasonable to give them a drug that can prevent the more serious effects of alcohol."

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