Did you know that drinking while pregnant could potentially harm your unborn child? If you tend to consume a lot of alcohol and find yourself pregnant it is vital that you learn how alcohol affects your unborn baby. It doesn't matter if you choose to consume beer, wine, or hard liqueur --all alcoholic beverages are risky to the fetus. Not only is it important to take care of your unborn child, it's equally important to take care of yourself as well.
Can You Quit Drinking?
The smallest amount of beer, liquor, or wine can be harmful to the fetus. Some pregnant women avoid eating rum cake or using vanilla extract since these items can contain trace amounts of alcohol. Experts at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics both agree that it's important to play it safe and quit drinking when you are trying you conceive. This way you won't mistakenly consume alcohol before your pregnancy is confirmed.
Alcohol and the Baby
When you're pregnant and decide to consume alcohol, the alcohol travels swiftly through your bloodstream, cross the placenta, and into the blood stream of your unborn child. Because your baby will break down alcohol more slowly than you, he or she may end up with a higher level of blood alcohol. There are a range of specific dangers involved, such as:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Low Birth Weights
- Aggressive and Delinquent Behavior
- Learning Difficulties
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Other serious and permanent consequences to the unborn include:
- Small Heart and Spine
- Mental Retardation
- Delays in Physical Development
- Vision and hearing problems
Researchers have shown that even the smallest amounts of alcohol can harm your unborn baby.
Protecting Yourself and Your Baby
If you regularly consume alcohol and cannot stop - you may need help. You can start with an alcohol awareness class, or attend a support group for alcohol abuse. If you're pregnant, it's vital to avoid alcohol so you can protect yourself and your baby.
