Alcohol and Pregnancy

“Can you drink in pregnancy?” is a common query asked by many women who are currently pregnant or planning to conceive soon. The simple answer to this question is no because of the potential risks alcohol carries for the unborn baby. How alcohol affects a child cannot be precisely predicted, as it varies by case. However, most of these health risks include long-term and short-term complications. Some of these complications are quickly caught in newborns, while others may take years to manifest.

Mentioned below are some potential consequences of drinking alcoholic beverages such as wine during pregnancy:

Miscarriage or Stillbirth

Alcohol consumption is one of the most common factors triggering miscarriages and stillbirths during pregnancy. A miscarriage refers to the death of the fetus before the completion of the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. If the baby dies after the first 20 weeks, the phenomenon is called a stillbirth.

Both stillbirth and miscarriage can trigger a substantial amount of pain for a mother with months of suffering. To prevent the likelihood of these complications, abstaining from alcohol and receiving prenatal care during the entire course of pregnancy are suggested.

Premature Birth

The use of alcohol in pregnancy dramatically increases the chances of premature birth. Premature birth is defined as the birth of a baby before the mother crosses 37 weeks of pregnancy. Not only are premature births associated with a high risk of severe health issues, but they can be potentially fatal. Even if a premature baby survives with intense care, it may develop developmental delays later in life. Many times, a child who has been born prematurely require extra medical care during the initial few years of life to expand the chances of living a healthy life ahead.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can put the unborn baby at risk of developing behavioural and physical problems. These conditions, collectively known as FASDs, are often incurable and can exert lifelong effects on the baby. Some common issues that a baby with FASDs may face include cognitive impairment, trouble communicating, inability to regulate emotions, and poor concentration. FASDs can sometimes affect the brain to the extent that mental health disorders may arise. Such children are more likely to repeat mistakes and often fall victim to poor choices.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) refers to the inexplicable death of a healthy baby, most likely before their first birthday. The infant generally passes quietly in their sleep without any apparent issue or struggle. While the cause of SIDs is unknown, researchers associate it with developmental problems in the hindbrain during pregnancy. The maternal use of alcohol during pregnancy is speculated as a potential trigger for this fatal condition.

Birth Defects

Drinking during pregnancy is one of the main factors leading to congenital disabilities. These congenital disabilities often form within the first trimester of pregnancy and significantly impact how the child’s body functions or looks. Some common birth defects include cleft lip, down syndrome, clubfoot, spina bifida, and heart problems.

While surgical correction and medicine can treat some birth defects, others are more challenging to manage and may affect the child’s health throughout adulthood. Therefore, the best course of action is to adopt an alcohol-free lifestyle during pregnancy to minimise the prevalence of congenital disabilities.

Children born to women with alcohol addiction are often advised to bring them in for regular pediatric visits. These visits keep track of their health and ensure that their motor skills and development are right for their age group.