Pregnancy and Alcohol Consumption

Alcoholic beverages have been known to cross the placenta and reach the baby by the medical community for some time now. The fetal alcohol syndrome has been documented for decades now. Hence, babies that have been repeatedly exposed during the pregnancy to considerable amounts of alcohol present with abnormalities of their development.

Pregnancy and Alcohol Consumption

To a greater extent, expectant parents are well-versed about the pregnancy and birthing development as pregnancy is a unique one in each couple’s lifetime. Future parents and especially mothers-to-be are receiving contradicting information about alcohol consumption and the risk to their unborn baby. How much alcohol is safe to take during pregnancy? Are there proven effects of alcohol on the baby? What are the effects of alcohol on an unborn baby? What other options does a pregnant woman have if she craves alcohol?

Alcoholic beverages have been known to cross the placenta and reach the baby by the medical community for some time now. The fetal alcohol syndrome has been documented for decades now. Hence, babies that have been repeatedly exposed during the pregnancy to considerable amounts of alcohol present with abnormalities of their development. Such problems care low birth weight, a small brain, mental retardation and overall growth and developmental retardation. Is there a safe time during the pregnancy to consume alcoholic beverages? The safe answer is no because the baby is in constant development and does not have the capacities to counteract the alcohol he can receive through the placenta. Is there a safe amount of alcohol a woman can take during the pregnancy? Again, the prudent answer is NO.

The level of alcohol reaching the baby will vary depending on the type of alcohol taken, the weight of the mother, her own metabolism and so many other factors we have yet to di...

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