A genetic mutation protects some fetuses from damage when their mothers drink during pregnancy, Reuters reported Feb. 22.

"Our research has shown that about 20 percent of African American children are born to mothers with a particular genetic (mutation), which makes it less likely that maternal drinking during pregnancy will adversely affect their child's development," said researcher Sandra W. Jacobson of Wayne State University.

The mutation of an enzyme gene, ADH1B*3, affects how quickly the women metabolize alcohol. Women with the mutation tended to drink less during pregnancy.

"Some women who drink during pregnancy will, therefore, give birth to unaffected children," said Jacobson. "However, others should recognize that this does not mean that they are similarly protected."

The research appears in the January 2006 issue of the Journal of Pediatrics.