Alcohol during pregnancy didn’t always have the negative stigma attached to it that it does now. Infact, some other countries may believe the occasional glass of wine is fine for an expectant mother, but for most experts, the rule is don’t do it, not even once. Here’s a look at the consequences of drinking alcohol while pregnant.
Risks of Alcohol During Pregnancy
When a pregnant woman eats, the nutrition is sent through the umbilical cord so the fetus can use it to grow and thrive. In the same way, alcohol you consume can actually travel through the cord to your baby. Drinking while pregnant can lead to a few different issues, including miscarriage or stillbirth. The biggest risk of consuming alcoholic beverages during pregnancy is the potential for the fetus to develop Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
What is FAS?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is actually a spectrum of diseases, all related to birth defects that cause structural, behavioral, and cognitive or intellectual abnormalities as a direct result of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), FAS Spectrum symptoms include low birth weight, abnormal facial features (particularly a flat ridge between nose and lip) and a small head, shorter height, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, memory problems, low IQ, speech issues, poor judgement and reasoning, poor vision or hearing, and heart, kidney, or bone issues. Perhaps the most frightening part is that there’s no way to know how much alcohol will cause FAS, or which symptoms and characteristics your baby will develop.
When Should I Stop Drinking?
Stop drinking as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Alcohol can impact fetal development at all stages. According to the CDC, alcohol in maternal blood can impact a growing baby differently at certain times in pregnancy. For example, drinking in the first trimester, before many women realize they're pregnant, can impact the development of the infant’s facial features. Although fetal growth, and the development of the brain and central nervous system, can be impacted at any time.
If you’re planning to become pregnant soon, or have been trying to get pregnant, avoiding alcohol completely is a good idea. No matter how diligent you are about pregnancy testing and following your period, your body and baby will respond better to an alcohol free vessel.
What If I Can’t Stop?
If you already know you’re pregnant, and are having trouble stopping alcohol consumption, talk to your healthcare provider. It can be difficult to discuss, but it’s so important -- for both you and your child. Even if you've been drinking regularly for most of your pregnancy, it’s not too late to stop. A few months with a clean system is better than none at all. Additionally, letting your obstetrician know you’ve been drinking can alert them for particular signs and symptoms to look for -- you should also inform the pediatrician who sees your newborn in the hospital.
If you’re pregnant and having trouble giving up alcohol, there are resources to help you. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous have chapters everywhere. There are also other programs, like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), that can help find an appropriate treatment center near you.
