In today’s society, there are many myths that allow pregnant women to believe that moderate alcohol consumption is okay during their pregnancy and that it doesn’t pose a threat to the fetus. The truth is what you eat and drink, your baby eats and drinks as well. Medical professionals now believe that alcohol can have devastating effects on the unborn child. While you may have a tolerance to the effects of alcohol, your baby does not. For an unborn child, alcohol can interfere with its ability to obtain enough oxygen and nourishment for normal cell production and development in the brain and other organs of the body.
Studies have shown that a developing fetus has little to no tolerance for alcohol or any other toxic substances and mothers who drink during their pregnancy can cause their infant to be born with serious health problems. Because the organs of the unborn baby are forming, it makes them very vulnerable to toxic substances such as alcohol. A mother’s consumption of a toxic substance enters directly into their bloodstream, which then enters into the placenta where your child is growing.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus is at its most vulnerable state to the potential harms of birth defects. In the first five weeks, your baby has a two-lobe brain, a spinal cord, and a heartbeat. By the end of the eighth week, all major organs and systems are in place but still not fully developed. It is during the remainder of the pregnancy that your baby is growing and these organs are developing fully in preparation for the baby to enter into the world healthy. Submitting your unborn baby to toxic substances such as alcohol and drugs is not very wise and there is the potential of consumption of alcohol while pregnant can cause the mother severe health risks as well.
Potential Problems of Alcohol Consumption While Pregnant
For those women who think that drinking in moderation while pregnant is not a big deal, there is a lengthy list of potential health problems that their newborn could be facing as a result:
Body Development
Small body size - low birth weight - deformed ribs and sternum - curvature of the spine - hip dislocations - limited joint movement - missing, webbed, fused, or bent fingers and toes - small head - poorly formed ears or low-set ears.
Facial Abnormalities
Small openings of the eyes - skin webbing between the eyes and base of the nose - eyelid drooping -failure for eyes to move in the same direction - short upturned nose - nasal bridge is sunken - absent or flat groove between the upper lip and the nose - thin upper lip - mouth has an opening in the roof - small jaw.
Organ deformities
Heart defects - heart murmurs - genital deformities - kidney and urinary system defects - handicaps related to the central nervous system - small brain.
Mental problems - slow development - faulty arrangement of brain cells and connective tissues - severe mental retardation - decreased attention span - learning disabilities - childhood hyperactivity - body, hand, and finger coordination are poor.
About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
While all of these things are very scary, there are some women who continue to drink as usual while pregnant, thinking that it cannot happen to them. According to the American Pregnancy Association, “drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the chance that a baby will be born affected by a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or FASD. FASDs are the full spectrum of birth defects that are caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Up to 40,000 babies are born with an FASD each year in the U.S.” It is amazing that so many women are taking the risk of their child being born with a severe disorder or health defect in order to have a little fun consuming alcohol while pregnant.
About Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or FAS is the mental and physical defects of a newborn that is born to a mother who consumed alcohol while pregnant. The babies diagnosed with this condition are usually small and underweight and born with small eyes and small heads. FAS babies are usually stricken with birth defects such as delayed development, heart defects, and vision or hearing problems. As the child ages, behavioral problems have been detected in babies suffering from this syndrome. Mental retardation is the most serious effect of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
According to FamilyDoctor.org, “in the United States, about 2 babies out of every 1,000 babies have fetal alcohol syndrome.” That is very sad considering prevention of this syndrome is very easy, stop drinking when you are planning on having a baby or at the moment you test positive for pregnancy. There is no cure for FAS; babies born with this condition are often times looking at a life of needing good medical and dental care, special school programs, and special care for the rest of their lives. Why should an innocent child have to suffer for their entire life because their mother couldn’t give up the one thing that would hurt their baby most during their pregnancy?
Getting Help for Alcoholism While Pregnant The first thing you should do is to be honest with your doctor. It is very important that they are aware of any extracurricular activities that you may have (i.e., alcohol consumption, drugs, and dangerous sexual activities). If your doctor knows what kind of lifestyle you are living, he may be able to get you the help you need before it becomes detrimental to your baby’s health. If a woman is drinking alcohol while pregnant, it is never too late to stop. The sooner a woman asks for help to stop consuming alcohol, the better it will be for both the mother and the baby. Remember, if you are drinking not only are you putting your baby’s life at risk but you yourself are in danger of developing serious health problems. This article was not to paint a pretty picture or sugarcoat the idea of alcohol consumption while pregnant. These effects are very serious and are life-long.
At Narconon Freedom Center, we have trained professionals that can assist you in your battle to quit drinking. You are not only saving your life but the life of your baby. A baby is the most important and biggest accomplishment that a woman will ever experience in their lifetime. Contact us at 1-877-394-1828 to talk to a trained medical professional about your addiction before it is too late. Give yourself and your baby a healthy life.
