Pregnancy is a time when expectant mothers must be cautious of everything they consume. From the food they eat to the drinks they drink, everything must be carefully scrutinized to protect the health of the baby growing inside them.

One common question that many pregnant women have is whether or not it is safe to consume alcohol during pregnancy. The short and simple answer to this question is NO. It is never safe to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

In this article, we will discuss why and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions regarding your health and the health of your baby.

What Happens When You Drink Alcohol During Pregnancy?

When you drink alcohol, the alcohol gets into your bloodstream and travels to your baby through the placenta.

Your baby’s liver is not strong enough to process the alcohol as quickly as you can, and the alcohol can cause damage to your baby’s developing organs, including the brain. No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy, and even small amounts can cause harm to your baby.

The Risks of Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy

The risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy are quite significant. These risks include:.

1. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)

FASDs are a category of birth defects that can occur in babies exposed to alcohol in the womb. These birth defects can cause physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities that can last a lifetime.

The severity of the defects varies from child to child and can be influenced by the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed during pregnancy.

2. Preterm labor and delivery

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm labor and delivery. Preterm babies are at higher risk of health problems, such as respiratory distress syndrome, feeding difficulties, and infection.

3. Miscarriage and stillbirth

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. These are devastating events that can have long-lasting emotional and physical effects on mothers and families.

4. Low birth weight

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can increase the risk of low birth weight, which can be associated with a variety of health problems in newborns, including developmental delays, respiratory problems, and feeding difficulties.

Abstaining from Alcohol During Pregnancy

Given the significant risks associated with drinking alcohol during pregnancy, it is vital that you avoid alcohol altogether during pregnancy, including beer, wine, and spirits.

If you have an alcohol dependency, it is essential that you seek medical help to quit before getting pregnant. If you are already pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about the steps you can take to reduce your risk of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Your healthcare provider can provide you with information on local support groups and resources to help you quit drinking.

Conclusion

There is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause significant harm to your baby, including physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities that can last a lifetime.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is vital that you abstain from alcohol. Talk to your healthcare provider about the steps you can take to ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.