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What happens if a mother drinks alcohol while pregnant?

What happens if a mother drinks alcohol while pregnant?

When a woman drinks alcohol while she is pregnant, the alcohol goes to the baby through her bloodstream. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a serious condition that can affect a child throughout life.

How can I stop drinking while pregnant?

Beverages to avoid when pregnant It’s also important to limit your caffeine intake and avoid raw or unpasteurized milk or juice. Be aware of how much caffeine is in tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, chocolate, and coffee ice cream. Wash fruit thoroughly before squeezing it for fresh juice.

When can I drink alcohol during pregnancy?

There is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for the developing baby throughout pregnancy, including before a woman knows she is pregnant. Drinking alcohol in the first three months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features.

Can drinking alcohol cause a miscarriage?

Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol when pregnant may lead to miscarriage. Heavy drinkers (those who drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day) are at greater risk of giving birth to a child with fetal alcohol syndrome. The more you drink, the more you raise your baby’s risk for harm.

What should you do if you drink alcohol during pregnancy?

Because brain growth takes place throughout pregnancy, the sooner you stop drinking the better it will be for you and your baby. If you drank any amount of alcohol while you were pregnant, talk with your child’s health care provider as soon as possible and share your concerns. Make sure you get regular prenatal checkups.

Can a pregnant woman drink alcohol and still miscarry?

A: You might be pregnant and not know it yet. You probably won’t know you are pregnant for up to 4 to 6 weeks. This means you might be drinking and exposing your baby to alcohol without meaning to. Alcohol use during pregnancy can also lead to miscarriage and stillbirth.

Can a pregnant woman be served alcohol by a bartender?

The bottom line is that in many situations it appears that a pregnant woman who is drinking alcohol will most likely not be arrested, and a bartender who serves someone who is pregnant most likely would not be arrested except in very extreme circumstances.

When is drinking alcohol bad for Your Baby?

When Alcohol is Dangerous. Alcohol can cause problems for the developing baby throughout pregnancy, including before a woman knows she is pregnant. Drinking alcohol in the first three months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features. Growth and central nervous system problems (e.g., low birthweight,…