Alcohol While Pregnant

Although it has been known for some time that alcohol can be dangerous in pregnant women, it remains unclear how much alcohol must be consumed before there is danger to the fetus. It is considered the conventional wisdom that pregnancy and alcohol do not mix, but there are a number of care health practitioners who believe that a small amount of moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy is not harmful to the mother or baby. So is it safe to drink alcohol during pregnancy? Or should avoid even moderate consumption, just to be on the right side?

Pregnancy and alcohol are a controversial topic, mainly because the effects of too much alcohol on fetal development are well documented and severe. Women who consume alcohol while pregnant need to realize that everything they take in goes directly to the child as well. The first three months of a baby's development are particularly critical. However, if you had a few drinks during your early pregnancy, while you were still unaware that you were pregnant, there is nothing to fear. It is excessive, chronic use that creates problems.

At this stage, those who have studied the pregnancy and alcohol have been unable to determine how much alcohol is dangerous. If you drink alcohol during pregnancy, it is reasonable to assume that the risk of birth defects, miscarriages, mental retardation and growth increase of more a mother drinks. Frequency of consumption is also a factor. Although moderate drinking is probably safe, do not drink at all is certainly the safest. In any case, every pregnant woman thinking about alcohol consumption during pregnancy should consult their doctor.

It is well known that alcohol abuse can seriously affect the fetus. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is much more likely to occur when a woman drinks a lot and often. FAS is also more likely to occur when a woman drinks often, not only excessively. Some of the symptoms of FAS are skeletal abnormalities, including an abnormally small head or skull, a heart malformed, stunted growth and mental disorders.

If you are unable to stop drinking a lot, considering pregnancy, or if you may be pregnant, it would be wise to immediately consult your doctor about what kind of support you can receive if you can cut back on alcohol and protect your baby. The risk of FAS is substantially reduced if you drink moderately, as in one to two glasses of wine on occasion. Alcohol is not the only factor to take into account the health of your baby. tobacco and drugs, your diet, your general health and a number of other factors are very important in determining the ultimate health of your baby.

Pregnancy and alcohol are usually not a good mix, but if you exercise common sense and moderation, it should not be a problem. This is not quite unfit for drinking during pregnancy, but it's probably best to consult your doctor and understand how best to adjust your entire lifestyle to make sure that your pregnancy is healthy.