Effects of alcohol on the fetus

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Dinh Thanh Ha - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Alcohol use during pregnancy is very dangerous because it can affect the development of the fetus. Drinking alcohol can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or birth defects such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Here's information on how alcohol affects your pregnancy

1. Why is alcohol dangerous for pregnancy?

Alcohol in the mother's blood is passed 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 defects are called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Your child has FASD This can affect the way your baby sees, thinks, and learns. Mental and developmental disabilities are often lifelong. Binge drinking - when you have 4 or more drinks in a few hours - increases your child's chances of getting it.
Infants and children with FASD may:
Abnormal facial features, such as a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip (this ridge is called the philtrum) Small head size Low height than average Low body weight Poor coordination Hyperactive behavior Difficulty paying attention Poor memory Learning difficulties (especially with math) Learning disabilities Speech and language delays Intellectual disability or low IQ Poor reasoning and judgment skills Sleep and feeding problems in childhood Vision or hearing problems Heart, kidney or bone problems. When you drink, the alcohol passes through the umbilical cord and placenta to your baby. It's like your kids are drinking too. This can keep your baby from growing the way they should. Alcohol can affect their brain and other organs. It can also cause other serious problems, including:
Miscarriage. You can lose your baby in the first few months of pregnancy. Stillbirth. You can lose your baby in the womb during the second half of your pregnancy. Premature labor. Drinking alcohol can make your baby arrive too soon. Premature babies can have many health problems. These often include difficulty breathing and other problems related to immature lungs. Birth defects . Some babies are born with heart or kidney problems. Others may have trouble seeing or hearing or other health problems.

There is no safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. There is also no safe time to drink during pregnancy. All alcohol is equally harmful, including wine and beer.
FASD is preventable if women do not drink alcohol during pregnancy.

2. How does alcohol affect the fetus?

Excessive exposure to alcohol can seriously affect a baby's development:
Drinking alcohol, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy, increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and your baby having a low birth weight weigh. Drinking alcohol after the first 3 months of pregnancy can affect the baby after birth. The risk is greater the more you drink. Effects include learning difficulties and behavioral problems.

3. How to avoid alcohol during pregnancy

It may not be as difficult as you think to completely avoid alcohol during pregnancy, as many women give up alcohol early in their pregnancy.
Most women give up alcohol after learning they are pregnant or when planning to become pregnant. Women who find out they are pregnant after drinking alcohol in early pregnancy should avoid drinking more. However, they should not worry unnecessarily, as the risk of their baby being affected is very low.
If you are concerned, talk to your midwife or doctor.

4. If you are using alcohol, what can you do?

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, quit drinking immediately. You may also want to do this if you're sexually active and you're not using birth control, in case you get pregnant. Some women drink alcohol during pregnancy and give birth to healthy babies. But the only way you can keep your child safe from alcohol-related problems is to avoid them altogether.
Plan ahead. Quitting alcohol is much easier if you strategize and get help from family and friends. Tell everyone you're pregnant and won't drink. They can give up drinks on their own. Even if they don't, they might be more considerate if they know. Choose the alcohol-free option if you can. If you like to socialize in a bar, choose another location. If you usually order a cocktail, choose a fruit juice and stick an umbrella in it. Eliminate alcohol from your home. In order to protect the health of pregnant women and babies during pregnancy, Vinmec International General Hospital provides a package of maternity services as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team. throughout pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of highly qualified doctors Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormalities The package pregnancy helps to facilitate convenient for the birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com