Alcohol and Pregnancy

Science has proven that drinking on a regular basis can harm your unborn baby.  Anything you eat or drink directly affects the fetus, and alcohol is no exception.  Because no amount of alcohol use during pregnancy has been proven safe, it is best to avoid all types and amounts of alcohol while you are pregnant.  The March of Dimes, whose mission is “To improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.” recommends that pregnant woman, nursing woman and woman who may become pregnant or are attempting to become pregnant should avoid all alcohol, including beer, wine, wine coolers and hard liquor.

The fact is, while we do know what can happen to babies who were exposed to regular alcohol consumption, we do not know what can happen to children whose Mothers drank in moderation.  Some of the common life long problems that children who were exposed to alcohol during their mothers pregnancy include:

Low birth weight

Problems with eating, sleeping, colic

Vision and hearing problems

Problems with following directions and learning to do simple things

ADHD and other problems paying attention and learning in school

Mood disorders, controlling their behavior and getting along with others

These children need medical care all of their lives and do not get better.  They may need special teachers and schools and will be considered high needs or special needs.  Children who are born with these symptoms have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

If a woman has had a couple of drinks before she realizes she is pregnant it is unlikely that her baby will have any lasting effects.  Still, a Mom should stop drinking as soon as she finds out she is pregnant.

Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.

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