What to Know Alcohol and
Alcohol and Pregnancy
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can have serious and lifelong effects on the fetus. Alcohol passes easily from the mother's bloodstream to the fetus, and it can damage the developing brain and other organs.
The effects of alcohol on a fetus can vary depending on the amount of alcohol consumed, the stage of pregnancy, and other factors. However, some of the potential risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy include:
Miscarriage
Stillbirth
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
FAS is a group of birth defects that can occur in children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. FAS can cause a range of physical and mental problems, including:
Growth retardation
Intellectual disability
Behavioral problems
Learning disabilities
Vision and hearing problems
Heart defects
Kidney problems
FAS can be prevented by avoiding alcohol consumption during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of alcohol consumption.
Preventing Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy
The best way to prevent FAS and other alcohol-related birth defects is to avoid alcohol consumption during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to:
Stop drinking alcohol immediately.
Tell your doctor about your alcohol use.
Get support from your family and friends.
There are many resources available to help you avoid alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Some of these resources include:
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, there are many treatment programs available to help you. These programs can help you to overcome your addiction and to stay sober during pregnancy.
Getting Help for Alcohol Addiction
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, there are many treatment programs available to help you. These programs can help you to overcome your addiction and to stay sober during pregnancy.
Some of the different types of treatment programs for alcohol addiction include:
Inpatient treatment programs
Outpatient treatment programs
Medication-assisted treatment programs
Behavioral therapy
Counseling
Support groups
The type of treatment program that is right for you will depend on your individual needs. Your doctor can help you to find a treatment program that is right for you.
Resources for Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, there are many resources available to help you avoid alcohol consumption. Some of these resources include:
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Your doctor
Your local health department
There is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to avoid alcohol consumption altogether.