The Effects of Heavy Alcohol Use on Infants

The negative effects of alcohol on an unborn child are abundant, which is why it is not advised for expecting mothers or women who are trying to conceive to drink. However, according to Health Information Publications, anywhere from 10 to 14 percent of women still do, albeit mostly in moderation. While there is no guaranteed safe amount of alcohol for pregnant women to drink, heavy drinking, defined as more than seven drinks a week or five or more in one sitting, increases the chances of birth defects.

Low Birthweight

• This may seem the least menacing of potential complications, but low-birthweight babies have an increased risk of developing more serious complications, such as breathing disorders, infection and inability to maintain body temperature. In many cases, they require specialized care and have to stay in the hospital longer than babies of normal weight.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

• This is the most common ailment to befall newborns who have been exposed to alcohol. The damage of FAS is far-reaching, and it can potentially affect physical features, neurological development and cause stunted growth. Due to potential brain complications, a child with FAS can be affected for life, well beyond infancy.

Miscarriage

• In a study published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism Magazine, researchers found that heavy drinking significantly increased the chance of miscarriage. This is especially true during the first trimester when the zygote is undergoing rapid development.

Lactation

• Once the baby is born, the byproducts of heavy drinking can affect the infant through breastfeeding. If alcohol content is in the blood, then it is in the breast milk. However, as is the case with blood, alcohol isn't stored in the milk. To be safe, nursing mothers should abstain from drinking for several hours prior to breastfeeding.