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Although the dangers of drinking while pregnant are well-publicized, many women still consume alcohol. Unfortunately, this may be a sign of alcoholism. If you or a loved one need help fighting addiction, reach out to our California rehab today.
One study shows one in five pregnant respondents reported past-month alcohol use, with one in ten admitting to binge drinking.
Today, we’ll examine the consequences of drinking alcohol while pregnant so you can make the best-informed decision for you and your baby.
Can You Drink While Pregnant?
Drinking while pregnant is inadvisable according to all major health organizations. Guidelines vary slightly, but CDC recommendations are representative:
There’s no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy, or while trying to get pregnant. There is also no safe time during pregnancy to drink. All types of alcohol are equally harmful, including all wines and beer.
CDC adds that FASDs (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders) are preventable if you abstain from alcohol while pregnant.
Alcohol passes through the umbilical cord, which can lead to:
- Stillbirth
- Miscarriage
- FASDs (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders)
If FASDs occur, they can result in lifelong intellectual, behavioral, and physical disabilities.
Drinking while pregnant may also increase the risk of:
- STIs
- Falls or injuries leading to miscarriage
- Malnutrition
- Cancer
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Domestic violence or conflict
- Problems at work
- Driving under the influence
Alcohol abuse can also impact fertility. If you are pregnant or hoping to get pregnant and struggling with alcohol, speak with your healthcare provider to minimize risks to your baby.
Can You Drink Wine While Pregnant?
While it may seem normal for expectant mothers to enjoy a glass of wine with friends, CDC guidelines make it clear that “all wines” are harmful. It is not advisable to drink wine while pregnant.
How Bad is Drinking While Pregnant?
Drinking while pregnant is the leading cause of preventable birth defects. Birth defects result in structural changes present at birth. This means that alcohol acts as a teratogen—an agent capable of triggering fetal abnormalities.
Consuming any amount of alcohol at any stage of pregnancy is associated with a heightened risk of FASDs (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders).
Research shows that FASDs can manifest in the following ways:
- Abnormal facial characteristics
- Reduced head circumference
- Below average weight and height
- Bone issues
- Kidney complications
- Heart problems
- Hearing and eyesight issues
The development of the fetus can be impaired due to alcohol consumption in weeks 3 through 16 of pregnancy, when major defects in bodily structures occur. Both the brain and spinal cord, as well as arms, legs, ears, eyes, and heart, can be affected.
Drinking from week 6 to 12 may lead to problems with teeth, palate, and genitals. These risks persist throughout pregnancy.
Studies show that consuming alcohol during pregnancy exponentially increases the risk of miscarriage.
Every pregnancy is different, so equal alcohol exposure can affect some babies more than others. Some FASD symptoms may not appear until childhood. Factors influencing the effects of alcohol on a developing fetus include:
- Amount of alcohol consumed
- Frequency of alcohol consumption
- Stage of pregnancy when alcohol is consumed
- Development of the fetus
- Metabolism
- Genetics
While it is possible for a woman with alcohol use disorder to deliver a healthy baby, consuming alcohol while pregnant almost always harms the fetus in some way, even at low levels.
Get Insurance-Covered Addiction Treatment
Overcoming Alcohol Addiction at Renaissance Recovery
If you are one of the 28.5 million people in the US with alcohol use disorder, especially if you are concerned about drinking while pregnant, we’re here to help at Renaissance Recovery Center.
At our Orange County alcohol rehab, you can access outpatient programs to reclaim your life from alcoholism without residential rehab. For those needing more intensive therapy, we offer both IOPs (intensive outpatient programs) and PHPs (partial hospitalization programs).
MAT (medication-assisted treatment) can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT is delivered alongside:
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)
- DBT (dialectical behavior therapy)
- Holistic therapies
With this evidence-based, whole-body approach, Renaissance Recovery provides a robust aftercare plan and foundation for lifelong sobriety. Contact our California or Florida rehabs today at 866-330-9449.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6677630/
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/release/2020-national-survey-drug-use-and-health-nsduh-releases
THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE
At Renaissance Recovery our goal is to provide evidence-based treatment to as many individuals as possible. Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment.
