A mother provides nutrients to her unborn child through the food and drink she consumes. If she starts drinking, the baby does too. Doctors and health care professionals advise against drinking any type of alcohol while pregnant. Common effects of indulging in this type of behavior are fetal alcohol syndrome, birth defects and other complications such as low birth weight.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Commonly referred to as FAS, fetal alcohol syndrome is the clinically term for the pattern of defects a baby experiences as a result of the mother drinking too much while pregnant. Severe handicaps can result from FAS that will remain with the child for the remainder of his or her life. FAS is completely preventable. Most birth defects resulting from alcohol occur within the first three months of the baby's development.
Three characteristics define whether or not a child is diagnosed with FAS. These include abnormal facial features, growth deficiencies and central nervous system problems (Medical News Today).
FAS Defects and Disorders
Such defects include abnormal facial features, small head size, poor memory and learning disabilities, vision or hearing problems as well as problems with the heart, kidney and bones. Low body weight, hyperactive behavior and poor coordination are additional defects that impact the quality of life for the affected child. Mental retardation is a common symptom of FAS. Children diagnosed with FAS often have enormous difficulties learning and relating to others which has an adverse effect throughout the rest of their lives.
No Safe Drinking Period
There is no known safe period to drink alcohol during any time through a pregnancy. Although drinking alcohol during the first trimester is known to result in severe facial and physical defects and handicaps, drinking during other periods can cause brain damage since the baby's brain is continuously developing.
FAS Prevention
Abstaining from alcohol throughout the entire length of pregnancy prevents all symptoms of FAS. Some doctors recommend abstaining from alcohol if a woman is trying to or might become pregnant. Since a woman may not know she is pregnant until the second month, it is important to refrain from drinking lest a pregnancy occur.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one hundred percent preventable. All expectant mothers should seek pre-natal care and abstain from alcohol in order to avoid potential birth defects and complications. Every pregnancy is different, and even a small amount of alcohol ingested by an expectant mother can result in FAS related birth defects and disorders.
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