Introduction - Prenatal exposure to alcohol can cause a range of congenital malformations, dysmorphic features, and developmental disorders in the unborn child, ranging from fetal alcohol syndrome to more subtle effects. Despite the implementation of a prevention policy against the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, many women continue to drink. It was important to assess the current state of knowledge and the opinions of pregnant women in order to understand how they perceive the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and how they interpret the messages intended for them. Method - A qualitative approach based on discussions among forty-two pregnant women participating in three online forums in 2007 was used to address the research questions. Results - The recommendation for abstinence is poorly understood by women, who have limited knowledge of the consequences of alcohol consumption on the unborn child. Finally, while these women’s sources of information regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy are diverse, their own mothers remain the source they consider most trustworthy. (R.A.)