Why Avoid Drinking While Pregnant?
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A woman may be pregnant and curious to find out if she can indulge in the rare small glass of Merlot, or even other forms of alcohol while pregnant. She may wonder if she can sip some champagne during the holidays. Many physicians recommend that an expectant mother completely refrains from alcohol during pregnancy and other doctors permit occasional light drinking, for they feel it won’t be harmful to the baby.
Friends and family may be divided on this issue as well. Some women will attest to the fact that they enjoyed an occasional beer during pregnancy, while other women view this as taking a serious risk. Keep reading to find out what current studies and medical professionals are saying about the topic!
Alcohol While Pregnant Can Cause Birth Defects
Over the last few decades, many a researcher confirms that severe alcohol consumption during pregnancy can be the cause of various birth defects. However, the possible effects of small amounts of alcohol on a developing infant are not well known.
No matter what the risks are, many expectant mothers chose to continue drinking alcohol. In fact, recent research confirms that one in eight pregnant women in the United States reports drinking approximately one alcoholic beverage in the last month.
Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy can be Problematic
Drinking alcohol while pregnant can be problematic because no amount of alcohol has been sanctioned to be safe. In fact, many a researcher can attest to the fact that many of them don’t have enough information about the possible effects of consuming alcohol at precise times in the duration of the pregnancy to be able to confirm when it is safe to drink.
It also proves problematic to predict the effect of alcohol consumption on any given pregnancy; some women possess higher enzyme levels that break down alcohol. Women with low levels of this enzyme who are pregnant and drink will likely give birth to a baby who will be susceptible to harm. This is because the alcohol may circulate in her body for a longer duration.
Finding it Hard to Stop Drinking: Help is Here
Whether a woman is planning to give birth or is already pregnant, it is important to avoid any kind of alcoholic drinks.
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Anna M. joined Find Addiction Rehabs with extensive experience in the field of addiction treatment. As a former Nurse Practitioner in Miami, she found her passion for addiction treatment when a family member was lost to his disease. With each article and resource, she hopes to save other families from experiencing the anguish of a loved one’s passing due to drinking or drugs.
