You are out for the evening with all your girlfriends. You are the only one pregnant and everyone else is relaxing and having several glasses of wine. You say to yourself, “I wonder if it is ok to have just one drink?” Many women throughout the years have asked themselves this same question. How much is too much or should I refrain from alcohol altogether during these pregnancy months?
What can be the effects of alcohol on my baby?
After the woman takes a drink, the alcohol passes freely from the placenta to the baby. The breakdown of the alcohol is much slower in a baby and remains in the baby’s blood and can cause major developmental issues. The issues can be anything from physical to mental, as well as neurobehavioral. FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) is the name for a full spectrum of birth defects caused by alcohol. There are over 40 thousand reported cases of FASD in the United States each year.
Is there any safe amount that I can drink while pregnant?
The Surgeon General and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) believe that binge drinking, which is at least 5 glasses at one time is the most harmful. However, smaller amounts have caused many of these developmental issues with babies and therefore, their recommendation is to refrain completely. The March of Dimes is also a heavy advocate on refraining from alcohol during any part of the three pregnancy trimesters.
What if I drank before I knew I was pregnant?
Well, this you can’t help and should not feel guilty over it. However, once you have learned you are pregnant, it is in the best interest of the baby for you to quit.
I feel like I am addicted to alcohol and may need help. What can I do?
If you feel you have a problem with alcohol there are many resources you can consider.
- National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (1-800-729-6686)
- National Alcohol and Drug Hotline (1-800-622-2255)
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (1-800-666-6327)
Our goal at Gainesville’s All About Women Center is to make sure you have the healthiest pregnancy for both you and your baby. Please call us if at any point you have questions and need to speak with one of our highly qualified pregnancy physicians (https://www.allaboutwomenmd.com/obstetrics.html) or midwives.
