If you are pregnant, you should not drink or be under the influence of drugs. Unfortunately, for many users, especially addicts, it is not easy to just quit when they become pregnant; there is no special mentality that takes over them telling them to quit because of the child, and sometimes people cannot quit their addictions.
Being pregnant is stressful and can actually cause women to continue using because when they think about becoming a parent, it is a scary thought to them. They want to give the child the best life possible, but they don’t know if they are capable of doing so. A woman’s body changes so much during pregnancy, and she may look at herself and not like what she sees. Naturally, a woman will gain weight, which she may have a hard time with, which is when she picks up the bottle and starts to drink.
This is highly dangerous because any type of substance use can harm your unborn child, such as excessive drinking, which can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
What Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome causes brain damage to newborn children, which is a result of their mother drinking during her pregnancy. It can also cause growth problems, and these issues vary from child to child. Not all children will experience the same degree of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Symptoms can be physical and intellectual. The first years of life are extremely important for growth physically and mentally. Your child may develop learning disabilities and problems functioning in daily life. Some physical defects of FAS include:
- Distinctive facial features
- Deformities in the joints and fingers
- Vision or hearing problems
- Small brain
- Heart defects and kidney issues
Some central nervous system problems your child may suffer from include:
- Poor coordination
- Poor memory
- Trouble paying attention
- Poor judgement skills
It is important that before you pick up that drink, as a pregnant woman, you understand that you are putting your child at risk for life long troubles including poor social skills which can lead to bullying and lack of friendship and ultimately lead to isolation, no concept of time which means when your child is old enough to start doing things on their own they may have difficulty getting to work or to school on time, and issues with impulse control which can land your child in trouble if the impulses are strong and violent.
The more alcohol you drink while you are pregnant, the higher the risk for FAS. It is important that if you are pregnant and you have an addiction to alcohol, you speak openly with your doctor in order to avoid having a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
How Much Drinking Causes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
The short answer is there is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Research shows that any alcohol consumption during pregnancy carries a risk, and even small amounts can impact fetal development. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) strongly advise against drinking alcohol at any stage of pregnancy. According to the National Library of Medicine, significant and dangerous alcohol exposure for a fetus would be six or more drinks per week for two or more weeks during pregnancy.
How Alcohol Affects a Developing Baby
When a pregnant woman drinks, alcohol passes through the placenta directly to the fetus. Unlike adults, a fetus lacks the ability to break down alcohol efficiently, leading to higher concentrations in its bloodstream. This can interfere with normal development, particularly in the brain and central nervous system.
Some of the most common effects of prenatal alcohol exposure include:
- Abnormal facial features (e.g., small eyes, thin upper lip, smooth philtrum)
- Growth deficiencies (low birth weight and height)
- Intellectual disabilities and learning problems
- Behavioral and emotional issues
- Poor coordination and motor skills
Binge Drinking vs. Occasional Drinking
Binge drinking (defined as four or more drinks in a single sitting for women) is especially harmful, as it leads to high blood alcohol levels that can severely impact fetal development. However, even occasional drinking has been linked to developmental issues, and studies suggest that individual tolerance and genetics play a role in how alcohol affects the fetus.
Early Pregnancy Drinking: What If You Didn’t Know?
Many women consume alcohol before realizing they are pregnant. If this has happened to you, the best step is to stop drinking immediately and talk to your healthcare provider. The risk of FAS is higher with continued alcohol use throughout pregnancy, so quitting as soon as possible can help minimize harm.
Since there is no proven safe amount or safe time to drink during pregnancy, the best way to prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is complete abstinence from alcohol while trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy. If you or someone you know is struggling to stop drinking, call us today and learn more.
