Most medical organizations agree there is no amount of alcohol that is safe at any point during the pregnancy. Misconceptions abound that in the third trimester, it is safe for pregnant women to consume a glass of wine without suffering adverse effects. However, studies have shown that any amount of alcohol during the last trimester of pregnancy or at any other time in pregnancy can have devastating effects on the fetus.
Absorption
According to the March of Dimes, alcohol crosses the placenta and can affect the fetus. Any amount of alcohol is dangerous and could cause serious birth defects and deformations of the fetus. Because alcohol enters the bloodstream and the fetus shares the blood supply of the mother through the umbilical cord, alcohol consumption can pass through to the fetus.
Fetal Effects
When alcohol passes to the fetus, the body of the fetus is too immature to properly process the alcohol in the same way that the adult body does. This can lead to very high blood alcohol content in the fetus for an extended period of time as the fetal organs work overtime to rid the body of the alcohol.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can occur when the mother has consumed alcohol during the pregnancy. This is most likely to occur when the mother has consumed alcohol on a regular basis during pregnancy or has engaged in binge drinking. Fetal alcohol syndrome can result in mental disorders and physical deformities. According to the Centers for Disease Control, fetal alcohol syndrome is the “leading known preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects”.
Complications
According to the March of Dimes, drinking alcohol during pregnancy has been shown to lead to preterm labor, miscarriage and stillbirth. These complications are in addition to birth defects and mental abnormalities that alcohol use may cause for the fetus. Studies have also shown that alcohol use can contribute to behavior problems such as ADHD, as well as learning disabilities, later in life.
Considerations
Women who are trying to conceive or who are sexually active but not using birth control should also avoid drinking. Because pregnancy is not usually identified until a woman is four to six weeks pregnant, this behavior should be avoided to prevent exposing the developing fetus to the effects of alcohol. While it is widely believed that a few drinks before discovering a pregnancy will likely not result in harm, it is best to avoid the possibility entirely.
Due to the possible devastating side effects that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause, it is wise to avoid all alcohol use in pregnancy. If you consumed alcohol prior to discovering the pregnancy, speak with the doctor about your concerns and refrain from any future consumption of alcoholic drinks.
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