What may be the consequences of excessive alcohol intake by mother during pregnancy?
Heavy alcohol intake during pregnancy may cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a combination of physical and mental birth defects. FAS can cause brain damage, deformities of the baby’s face, and growth defects. Defects may be seen in the baby’s heart, liver, and kidneys. The baby may develop vision and hearing problems as well. Children with fetal alcohol syndrome have difficulties with learning, attention, memory, and problem solving. Heavy alcohol drinking can also lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, or stillbirth. Moderate drinking is also dangerous and can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), a wide range of disorders that can occur in babies and children who are exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. The disorders involve physical, mental, behavioral, and learning disabilities. Drinking during pregnancy, even a glass of wine on occasions, is heavily discouraged as research has not been able to prove that even low amounts of alcohol is safe for the baby.
Related Questions
- Are the consequences of drinking during pregnancy influenced by when the pregnant woman consumes alcohol, i.e., which trimester?
- Does caffeine and alcohol intake before pregnancy predict the occurrence of spontaneous abortion?
- Doesn fetal alcohol syndrome only occur when the mother drinks heavily during pregnancy?
