Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can be harmful to you and your growing baby. The degree of harm very largely depends on the amount of alcohol you drink and how often you drink. When you are pregnant, the baby inside of you is exposed to what is in your bloodstream. While a little bit of alcohol may not affect you, it may hurt your baby. In adults, the liver breaks down the alcohol; but your baby’s liver is not yet able to break down the alcohol – so the effects are more harmful.
Keep these things in mind:
1. Drinking alcohol increases the chance of having a miscarriage or having a preterm delivery.
2. Alcohol may also cause the baby to be too small. It’s a condition called intrauterine growth restriction.
3. There is an increased risk of birth defects – particularly of the heart and brain. Children that have been exposed to alcohol during their mother’s pregnancy may have problems with memory, learning, speech and behavior – a condition called
fetal alcohol syndrome. You may not be able to
see many of these problems until later in life.
Here are some warning signs that suggest you may have a drinking problem:
• Drinking alone, when you feel angry or sad.
• Drinking in a regular pattern – for instance, every day or every week at the same time.
• Thinking a lot about drinking and planning activities around your ability to have a drink.
• Drinking to relieve pain or stress or drinking more than you told yourself you would.
If you see these warning signs in yourself and cannot stop drinking on your own,
talk to your doctor. They can suggest ways to help you. Your baby will thank you!
by:
Jill Mauldin, M.D.
Request an appointment with a MUSC provider.