Drinking during pregnancy is considered unsafe for both the mother and the baby. This is because, when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it can harm her baby’s development even before she knows she is pregnant.

The alcohol passes from the mother’s bloodstream through the umbilical cord to the baby, which can increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth, and can cause lifelong physical, mental, and behavioral problems for the baby.

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) is a term used to describe a range of conditions that can occur in a baby when the mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy. These conditions can include:.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND)
Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD)

FAS is the most severe condition of FASDs and can cause lifelong physical, mental, and behavioral problems for the baby. ARND and ARBD are less severe, but can also cause lifelong problems.

What are the Risks of Drinking During Pregnancy?

Drinking during pregnancy can harm the developing baby’s brain and other organs, and can cause a range of physical, mental, and behavioral problems that can affect a child’s entire life.

Some of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy include:.

Miscarriage or stillbirth
Low birth weight
Premature birth
Birth defects, such as heart defects, hearing and vision problems, and cleft lip and palate
Learning and behavioral problems
Intellectual disabilities
Speech and language delays
Attention and hyperactivity problems
Social and emotional problems

How Much Alcohol is Unsafe During Pregnancy?

There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Even a small amount of alcohol, such as a glass of wine or a beer, can harm the developing baby’s brain and other organs.

The risk of harm to the baby increases with the amount of alcohol the mother drinks and the frequency and timing of drinking during pregnancy.

What Should Pregnant Women Do?

The best way for pregnant women to ensure the health of their baby is to avoid alcohol completely. If a woman is trying to get pregnant, she should also avoid alcohol.

If a woman is unable to stop drinking, she should talk to her healthcare provider and seek help to stop drinking. Pregnant women should also get regular prenatal care and follow a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Drinking during pregnancy is not only unsafe for the baby, but it can also have lifelong consequences for the child. The best way to prevent FASDs is to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy and if a woman is trying to get pregnant.

If a woman is struggling with alcohol addiction, she should talk to her healthcare provider and seek help to stop drinking. It is important for pregnant women to get regular prenatal care and follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to ensure the health of their baby.