Alcohol and pregnancy
Most women these days drink a
varying degree of alcohol, and it can be one of the hardest things to give up
in early pregnancy. Some moms-to-be find they can’t stand its smell or
taste once they’re pregnant, which makes it easier!
Alcohol passes through the
placenta into your baby – so when you’re drinking that glass of wine, your baby
is too. Alcohol can affect your baby’s neurological development, and large
amounts can potentially cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which affects a baby’s
nervous system, growth and motor skills as well as causing learning, speech and
memory problems. It’s one of the most common causes of mental retardation and
its effects last a lifetime.
No amount of alcohol is
considered safe in pregnancy so the best way to protect your baby is to give it
up. This may be difficult if you’re used to drinking when you socialize but you
will get used to it and after a few you may feel better for it. Try not to
worry about any alcohol you drank before you found out you were pregnant – it’s
unlikely to have harmed your baby.
If you need help trying to
give up alcohol, speak to your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife or call the National
Alcohol and Drug Hopeline 1-800-622-2255.
The information in this feature is intended for
educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the
health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a
doctor or other healthcare professional.