Fetal alcohol syndrome
Risks of alcohol and drug use during pregnancy
Most pregnant women worry about the possible danger to their baby from any drugs or medicines they may take during their pregnancy. It is always wise for women who need regular medication to discuss with their doctor their plans for pregnancy.
The most common drug to damage babies in our society is alcohol. Even though a warning to avoid wine when pregnant appears in the Old Testament, the seriousness of this problem has only been fully understood in the past 20 or so years.
What is fetal alcohol syndrome?
The babies of women who drink heavily during their pregnancy have a significant risk of a condition known as fetal alcohol syndrome. Among the commonly occurring signs of this condition are:
- small size at birth, and slow growth after birth;
- mental retardation;
- slow development; and
- abnormalities in the appearance and shape of the face.
Alcohol intake in pregnancy may also cause an increase in the frequency of other problems, such as heart abnormalities and eye problems.
How to avoid fetal alcohol syndrome
The most crucial time for alcohol to affect a baby is at the time of conception and in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Unfortunately many women do not realise that they are pregnant at this early stage.
The message is simple — if you are planning to become pregnant, or are already pregnant, try to avoid alcohol altogether. If this is too difficult, at least try to keep alcohol consumption to an absolute minimum in the early stages of your pregnancy.
Last Reviewed: 01 June 2009
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