Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can have severe negative effects on the development of the baby in the womb. The CDC reports that about 1 in 9 pregnant women report using alcohol, and it is essential to understand the risks involved in this practice.

1. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The most severe consequence of alcohol use during pregnancy is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which is a significant cause of intellectual disability.

When a pregnant woman drinks, the alcohol travels through the placenta and into the baby’s bloodstream. The liver of the baby is not mature enough to break down alcohol, so the alcohol levels in the baby’s blood may become higher than that of the mother.

FAS can cause facial abnormalities, such as a small head, thin upper lip, and small eye openings. Children born with FAS may also have a lower-than-average IQ, have trouble learning and have behavioral problems.

2. Premature Birth

A mother who drinks regularly during pregnancy may also face a higher risk of delivering the baby prematurely. According to the National Institutes of Health, alcohol use during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery and stillbirth.

Infants born prematurely may have low birth weights, which can increase the risks of various health problems, such as respiratory distress syndrome or infection.

3. Birth Defects

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can result in a wide range of birth defects, including heart, liver, and kidney problems.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that children who experience prenatal exposure to alcohol are at risk for congenital heart defects. Along with this, exposure to alcohol during pregnancy has also been linked to abnormalities in the brain and nervous system, which can cause long-term consequences, including developmental delays or academic and behavioral problems.

4. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Babies born to mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy are also at a higher risk of experiencing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is the unexplained sudden death of a child under the age of one.

Babies who were exposed to alcohol before birth may experience disruptions in the brain’s regulation of breathing, heart rate, and other automatic functions. These disturbances can increase the risk of SIDS.

5. Developmental Delays

Exposure to alcohol during pregnancy can stunt fetal development, which can result in developmental delays. Children with developmental delays show delays in testing milestones such as rolling over, sitting upright and walking.

These children also tend to show stunted cognitive development, which may lead to difficulty in school and behavioral problems.

6. Behavioral and Learning Problems

Children who were exposed to alcohol during pregnancy can also face learning and behavioral problems.

Children with FAS, in particular, may suffer from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), decision-making difficulties, and trouble with self-control. These issues can cause severe social and academic problems that can continue into adulthood.

7. Vision and Hearing Problems

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can also cause vision and hearing problems in infants.

A study shows that children exposed to alcohol prenatally have an increased likelihood of experiencing hearing and vision difficulties compared to children who were not exposed to alcohol.

8. Speech and Language Delays

Exposure to alcohol during pregnancy can also result in Speech and Language Delays. A study reveals that children exposed to alcohol in the womb tended to have problems with their language skills compared to children who were not exposed.

9. Lower Birth Weight

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been linked to lower birth weight. Low birth weight can lead to a higher likelihood of respiratory distress syndrome, infections, and feeding difficulties.

10. Cognitive and Intellectual Impairments

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can have long-term effects on the cognitive and intellectual abilities of a child.

Prenatal alcohol exposure has been shown to impact the developing brain, causing reductions in brain size, cell size, and alterations in neural connectivity. These changes can lead to significant intellectual impairment.