Pregnant women are strongly advised to avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Research shows that alcohol consumption during pregnancy can harm a developing baby, leading to potential long-term medical issues and birth defects.
How Alcohol Affects the Baby
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it passes through her bloodstream to the baby, affecting its tissues and organs. Since a fetus processes alcohol more slowly than an adult, alcohol stays in the baby’s system longer, potentially causing lasting damage.
Dangers of Alcohol During Pregnancy
Drinking large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can result in **fetal alcohol syndrome** (FAS), a condition characterized by:
– Behavioral and attention issues
– Heart defects
– Facial abnormalities
– Growth problems (before and after birth)
– Poor muscle tone and balance issues
– Cognitive and speech problems
These complications can be lifelong, with varying levels of severity. In some cases, babies may experience conditions like cerebral palsy, premature birth, or even stillbirth.
How Much Alcohol Is Safe?
There is “no safe amount” of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. Although alcohol is especially harmful during the first three months, drinking at any point during pregnancy can pose risks. Whether it’s beer, wine, or liquor, even moderate consumption can lead to miscarriage or FAS. Heavy drinkers face a significantly higher risk of delivering a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome.
Avoiding Alcohol During Pregnancy
To prevent alcohol-related harm, pregnant women or those trying to conceive should avoid all alcohol. If you drank alcohol before knowing you were pregnant, stopping immediately reduces the risk of harm to your baby. Nonalcoholic drink alternatives can help.
If controlling alcohol consumption is challenging, seek professional help or avoid situations involving alcohol. Pregnant women struggling with alcoholism should consider joining a rehabilitation program and working closely with a healthcare provider for support.
For assistance, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (1-800-662-HELP) or visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
