Alcohol and Pregnancy
Alcohol and pregnancy do not mix.
In the mid-1970s, the link was established between drinking alcohol during pregnancy and damage to the developing fetus. The effects of drinking during pregnancy were defined as fetal alcohol syndrome. This led to awareness and prevention efforts, including a written "advisory" by the U.S. Surgeon General on the labels of beverages containing alcohol.
Despite these warnings, alcohol use during pregnancy has become the leading cause of mental retardation in the United States and causes other health problems.
Women have greater medical consequences of alcohol use. Their metabolic processes cannot break down alcohol as quickly, so women generally have a higher blood-alcohol level than men when both consume the same amount.
No pregnant woman ever drinks alone. Alcohol freely crosses the placenta, so the fetus has the same level of alcohol in the bloodstream as the mother does.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Alcohol's effects are magnified in a fetus, whose body systems are delicate and immature. The brain and nervous system often are the hardest hit. The result, fetal alcohol syndrome, includes physical, mental and behavioral problems in newborns. Telltale signs of fetal alcohol syndrome include:
- a flat midface and thin upper lip,
- a small head,
- abnormal features of the joints and limbs,
- shorter body length,
- lower body weight,
- hyperactivity, and
- frequently, mental retardation.
How much alcohol can harm the fetus? The dangers to the fetus appear to be linked to the frequency and volume of alcohol consumed. Excessive, frequent drinking during pregnancy can damage the fetus. An occasional glass of wine or beer probably will do no harm. But no safe level of alcohol has been determined, so it's best to abstain from alcohol completely during pregnancy.
Timing is crucial
Timing is crucial. The earlier in pregnancy a woman drinks, the worse the possible problems for her baby. As little as one to two drinks a week may increase the risk of miscarriage early in pregnancy.
Also, the more a woman drinks, the greater the physical damage and the more points she knocks off her baby's IQ. So quitting drinking at any time during pregnancy will help a woman reduce the effects on her baby.
Once the harm is done, however, it is irreversible. The damage can't be undone by therapy or any other means. The economic cost of caring for a child with fetal alcohol syndrome is great. The cost of prevention is low. All women are urged to become educated and get treatment for alcohol problems.
Before and during pregnancy, West Penn Allegheny Health System obstetricians/gynecologists help women who are or plan to become pregnant manage risks to their babies' health, such as alcohol use and smoking.
But too often conditions that can harm the fetus are missed, particularly when women are not honest about their drinking habits. Many women feel ashamed and are unwilling to discuss this topic with their caregivers. Unfortunately, effects of alcohol on the developing fetus do not show up on a sonogram or chromosomal analysis, which makes detection all the more difficult.
If a pregnant woman can share this important information about her drinking with her caregiver, she'll find that there are many resources available to help her stop drinking so that her baby can avoid fetal alcohol syndrome.
For information about obstetrics/gynecology services at West Penn Allegheny Health System:
WPH-Forbes Campus Women's Health
Internet Resources
Alcoholics Anonymous
Gateway Rehabilitation Center
Greenbriar Treatment Center
March of Dimes
Narcotics Anonymous
National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Last Updated: February 26, 2009
