What happens if you drink when pregnant?

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can have serious and harmful effects on the developing fetus and can lead to a range of negative consequences, including:

1. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): FAS is a cluster of birth defects that can occur in a child whose mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy. It can cause physical, mental, and behavioral problems, including growth retardation, facial abnormalities, intellectual disabilities, and problems with behavior and coordination.

2. Other Alcohol-Related Birth Defects: In addition to FAS, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can increase the risk of other birth defects, such as heart defects, limb abnormalities, and cleft lip or palate.

3. Miscarriage and Stillbirth: Heavy drinking during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.

4. Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of premature birth (before 37 weeks gestation) and low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams).

5. Neonatal Alcohol Effects Disorder (NAE): NAE is a term used to describe a range of long-term problems that can occur in a child who was exposed to alcohol in the womb, even if they do not meet the full criteria for FAS. These problems can include physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional issues.

6. Other Negative Effects: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also lead to other negative effects on the developing fetus, such as impaired brain development, changes in behavior and mood, and increased risk of certain chronic diseases in later life.

It's important to remember that there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy, and the best approach is to avoid alcohol entirely or follow doctor advice for those who have difficulty quitting.