How Much Alcohol Can Be Considered Too Much?
Ideally, whenever the topic of alcohol and pregnancy comes up, different ideas on the amount of alcohol that is safe to take are given. In fact, people argue that alcohol is safe at a certain age of the pregnancy. However, these theories have not been proven true or safe, thus making alcohol unsafe at any level of the pregnancy.
Additionally, if you intend to get pregnant, it is advisable to keep off alcohol. This is because you may continue drinking without realizing that you are pregnant, which is risky to the child. Remember that the more the alcohol units when you are pregnant, the higher the risks you pose to your child.
So, What Are Some of The Risks that Alcohol Will Have to The Child?
One of the major reasons why pregnant mothers are advised against the use of alcohol when pregnant is because it leads to fetal alcohol syndrome. This is because when you drink, the alcohol travels through your bloodstream and finally reaches the fetus through the placenta. The fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition that has no cure but can be prevented by avoiding even slight levels of alcohol during pregnancy. Other effects that your baby may have due to FAS are such as:
- Social and behavioral problems
- Brain damage
- Low IQ
- Facial abnormalities
- Development delays and poor growth
What if I Drank Before I Knew I Was Pregnant?
While pregnancy is mainly discovered when it is about four weeks old, it is possible that you consume alcohol unknowingly. In this case, do not be alarmed since low alcohol levels are likely to have minimal effects on your baby. However, ensure that you abstain once you find out to keep you and your baby safe.
You Can Avoid Drinking When Pregnant
If you are used to occasionally having an alcoholic drink, giving it up because you are pregnant may be easier said than done. However, considering that you are doing it for the sake of your child, it is worth it. You could ask your partner to help you walk through the pregnancy together without drinking. Additionally, joining a support group could also help you walk through the pregnancy alcohol-free.
Disclaimers:
#Please note that development differs from one child to another.
#Content intended for educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for medical advice from your doctor.
Last reviewed January 2019
Sources: nhs.uk, webmd, drinkaware, pregnancybirthbaby, livingandloving, .cdc.gov
