How can some mothers get so irresponsible drinking liquors while pregnant? Don’t they know that this has ill-effects to the precious gift growing inside their womb? Medline Plus stated that drinking alcohol while pregnant has been shown to cause harm to a baby as it develops in the womb. Alcohol use during pregnancy may also lead to long-term medical problems and birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities. These disabilities are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Children with FASDs might have the characteristics and behaviors such as abnormal facial features, small head size, shorter-than-average height and low body weight.
Yes, alcohol in a certain amount may have health benefits to adults and this has been proven by science. However, drinking alcohol while pregnant is another story. As of today, CDC stated that there is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant and no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. The only way to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome is to not drink alcohol during pregnancy. Medline Plus also suggests that if you do not know that you are pregnant and you are used to drinking alcohol, you better stop drinking as soon as you learn you are pregnant. The sooner you stop drinking alcohol, the healthier your baby will be. We know that getting rid of what you have been doing for a longer period, especially if you find it pleasurable, is not easy as it is already a habit like drinking. Instead, choose nonalcoholic versions of beverages you like. Another management is that avoid being around other people who drink alcohol so that you will not be tempted from taking a shot. If you find these ineffective, pregnant women with uncontrollable alcoholism should join an alcohol abuse rehabilitation program to help manage the urge and should also be followed up closely by a health care provider. Always remember that alcohol may give you a sense of pleasure at times but what pleasure could this take if it causes a lifelong negative effect to your baby. You have the power and it’s all in your mind! Make the right choice and control the urge. Stop drinking!
PNFP-ZDS Marie Claire A. Gaas
References:
- Alcohol Use in Pregnancy
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/alcohol-use.html
- Alcohol and pregnancy