There is just no way to put it mildly: if you’re pregnant – and even if you just suspect that you may be expecting a baby – your best bet is not to drink any amount of alcohol. It has been proven by several studies that drinking liquor can have very harmful effects on your baby, and these side effects will manifest themselves upon his birth – and he may sustain them for life. It matters little if you give in to an occasional glass of wine or indulge in cocktail drinks at parties. Prior to giving birth, you should just refrain from taking alcohol. If your baby is affected by liquor at any time during your pregnancy, he will most likely be diagnosed either with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) upon birth. Here is a quick glimpse of these two conditions:
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
To put it simply, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is defined as a developmental problem which affects a baby when he’s exposed to alcohol before birth. When a baby has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, it is immediately noticeable that at child birth he is smaller than other newborn. Apart from that, a baby with this condition may be pronounced with other more serious health-related conditions at birth, such as heart ailments and minor abnormalities in joints and limbs. FAS causes babies to have considerable delays in their overall development, and some may even have behavioral problems. Not all children will acquire these side effects of alcohol and have FAS. Still, the level of risk is very high so it is better not to take chances and compromise the health of your unborn child.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders can fall under the sphere of FAS. If a baby is diagnosed with FASD at child birth, it means that he may show indications of irritability, problems with learning, logic, and memory, decreased attention span, distractibility, and even occasional irritation later on in life. Having alcohol prior to giving birth can spell out tremendous physical and psychological effect on your baby. If the level of alcohol on an unborn child is too high, he may die even before he is born. Now, if a woman combines liquor with other harmful elements like smoking and improper nutrition before giving birth, it will have even more devastating effect on a child.
As a mother, you are bound to make many sacrifices for your baby long before you give birth. Refraining to take alcohol is one of the best things you can do for your baby. It will help him become healthy and live life to the fullest.