The subject of alcohol consumption in pregnancy is always a hot topic and one that often pops up in the papers and on the news. But what is the current advice and on what evidence is it based?
Although research suggests that the effects of alcohol on pregnant women varies, it is advised that all women trying to conceive or who are already pregnant should avoid drinking alcohol. It is particularly important to avoid alcohol in the first three months of pregnancy in particular. This is to help avoid early miscarriage and is also a very important stage in the development of your growing baby. If you do choose to drink alcohol try to protect your baby by not drinking more than 1-2 units of alcohol once or twice a week.
When you drink, alcohol passes through your blood stream into the placenta and then into your baby. A baby's liver is one of the last organs to fully develop and does not mature until the late stages of your pregnancy. This means that your growing baby can not process alcohol as well as your body can and lasting damage may occur. But in the later stages of pregnancy, drinking alcohol can impair overall growth. Alcohol is particularly toxic to brain cells at this stage resulting in a small brain and developmental problems (Macnair, DR, 2010)
Heavy alcohol consumption can lead towards a particular group of issues for your baby known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Children born with this syndrome have:
- Restricted growth
- Facial abnormalities
- Developmental, learning and behavioural difficulties
Drinking more that 1-2 units once or twice a week, as well as binge drinking, may be associated with lesser forms of FAS. Did you know that a standard 175ml glass of wine equals 2 units?
So what is safe?
The truth is, no-one really knows but one thing is certain, if you don't drink alcohol during your pregnancy you'll avoid any problems associated with its consumption.
Getting Help:
If you feel you may have difficulty cutting down or stopping your alcohol consumption, talk to your midwife, doctor or other professional healthcare provider. Confidential advice and support is available from local counselling services or contact Drinkline on 0800 917 8282.