Alcohol: pregnancy and breast feeding
Pregnancy
Alcohol consumed during pregnancy crosses the placenta to the baby. It can cause problems in pregnancy, such as bleeding, miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.
There is evidence to suggest that if a pregnant women drinks 2 or more standard drinks a day, the baby can be affected and grow more slowly. Babies born of women who are heavily dependent on alcohol can suffer alcohol withdrawal symptoms after birth, have poor coordination and movement, and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Babies with FAS may be born with facial defects and physical and intellectual disability.
The World Health Organization suggests there is no safe level of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and recommends that the safest approach for pregnant women is not to consume any alcohol at all.
Breast feeding
There is evidence that that alcohol is excreted into breast milk and can reduce the milk supply. During the first 12 months of a baby's life, alcohol can cause damage to the developing brain. For women who are breastfeeding, it is better to avoid consumption of alcohol as much as possible.See your doctor or other health professional if you are taking or planning to take any substances while pregnant or breastfeeding, including alcohol, and prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
For more information, please click on the Australian Drug Foundation's DrugInfo Clearinghouse web site link below.
Last Reviewed: 20 September 2006
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