There is sometimes confusion about drinking alcohol in pregnancy. We all know that getting drunk is never good for the baby. We even know that drinking a glass of wine with dinner every night is not safe. But what about one glass of wine in the entire nine months? What exactly is safe?
Adding to the confusion, recommendations change. During my first pregnancy, I was told by my doctor that an occasional glass of wine was not harmful. Recently I’ve read that no amount is considered safe. To err on the side of caution, it is currently recommended that women avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy.
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition caused by exposure to alcohol in the womb. The syndrome is the number one cause of mental retardation in children. This is generally caused by large quantities of alcohol and drinking throughout pregnancy.
There is a less serious form of the condition, but is still serious. Children born with Fetal Alcohol Effects don’t have the physical characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. However, they do have the same difficulties with learning and behavior as children with FAS.
Without the physical characteristics of FAS, this disorder is often not diagnosed or diagnosed much later than FAS. In some cases, it is never diagnosed and the child is labeled with learning disabilities later in school.
The damage done to the brain by Fetal Alcohol Effects will last a life time. Children that have difficulty learning in the early grades at school will continue to have difficulty throughout their career as a student. Even in adulthood, they can have trouble learning new skills.
According to the US Surgeon General’s office, even one drink per day can produce this disorder and serious brain damage. For this reason, pregnant women are advised to avoid alcohol. Now, will one glass of wine on Thanksgiving cause FAS or FAE? No. But since the exact amount is unknown, it’s better to avoid it completely.
It’s never too late to stop drinking in pregnancy. While the damage that has already been caused may not be reversed, further damage can be halted by eliminating the exposure. The earlier in pregnancy, the better in terms of the baby’s health. Help is available to mothers who are unable to stop drinking. Speak to your health care provider to find support in your local area.
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