What happens to a baby if the mother drinks alcohol while pregnant?
When a woman drinks alcohol while she is pregnant, the alcohol goes to the baby through her bloodstream. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a serious condition that can affect a child throughout life.
Can drinking alcohol during pregnancy cause developmental delays?
Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause birth defects and developmental disabilities collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). It can also cause other pregnancy problems, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and prematurity.
How does alcohol affect a fetus in the first month?
Drinking alcohol in the first three months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features. Growth and central nervous system problems (e.g., low birthweight, behavioral problems) can occur from drinking alcohol anytime during pregnancy.
Is an occasional glass of wine OK when pregnant?
Medical professionals advise against drinking wine and other types of alcohol while pregnant because of the risk of its harmful effects on the developing fetus.
At what stage of pregnancy does alcohol affect the baby?
Drinking alcohol, especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy, increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and your baby having a low birthweight. Drinking after the first 3 months of your pregnancy could affect your baby after they’re born. The risks are greater the more you drink.
What are three possible consequences of drinking alcohol during pregnancy?
Alcohol can cause problems for your baby at any time in pregnancy, even before you know you’re pregnant. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy makes your baby more likely to have premature birth, birth defects and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Is it OK to drink in moderation while pregnant?
Drinking in moderation through pregnancy does not harm a baby’s neurodevelopment, according to new research. Children whose mothers consumed the equivalent of a glass of wine a day were able to balance as well as those who had not been exposed to alcohol in the womb.
What happens if you drink while pregnant without knowing?
A: You might be pregnant and not know it yet. You probably won’t know you are pregnant for up to 4 to 6 weeks. This means you might be drinking and exposing your baby to alcohol without meaning to. Alcohol use during pregnancy can also lead to miscarriage and stillbirth.
What if I drank early in my pregnancy?
Alcohol consumption in the first three months of pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and premature birth. Once the placenta forms and begins to function, then there is an increased risk of your baby having specific birth defects related to alcohol consumption.
Can I drink in the two week wait?
Generally, you should avoid drinking alcohol during the two-week wait. The first few weeks after conceiving can be very critical, and it is better to be safe than sorry. However, you should not blame yourself if you have had a drink or two before the positive pregnancy test.