Alcohol Consumption During Early Pregnancy: Risks and Concerns

Question
I am 27 years old and have no children and the first day of my last period was Jan 12/06.  I think that I am pregnant as I have done two home tests and both have been positive and am going to see my doctor to confirm.  However, this was an unexpected (but welcome) pregnancy and I had been continuing to enjoy a few alcoholic beverages before I knew I was pregnant.  I was never drunk, but did have a few drinks each week.  Now I'm concerned about potential damage I may have unknowingly done.  So I guess my question is, how harmful is having drinks early on before you even know you are pregnant?  Should I be concerned?  

Answer
The amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy that has a detrimental effect on the fetus is not known. Therefore, we recommend that you do not have ANY alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. However, in very early pregnancy, alcohol usually will not cause the "fetal alcohol syndrome" and may merely cause a miscarriage. I do not thing you have to worry about the few drinks you had for the past few weeks before you know you were pregnant. We used to allow a drink a week during pregnancy. However, it is better not to drink at all. I would not be concerned at this time.  We worry more of the "binge" drinkers.