Did you know nine out of ten women enjoy a really good alcoholic drink? But are you aware of what amount of alcohol you can consume when you're pregnant? Experts say drinking alcohol during your pregnancy will lead to birth defects. This is caused because alcohol crosses the placenta, which is the baby's stream and alcohol will disrupt your baby's growth in your womb. So think about this for a moment.
Every alcoholic drink you have your foetus gets a shot of it, and this is very critical because during the first three months your baby's body and brain are developing. So you can see what damage you are giving your child, plus it's not always the short term effects you are damaging, it's also the long term effects as well. Studies have found that women who have consumed alcohol through their pregnancy have found their children normally grow up to be alcoholics or drink on a regular basis.
Just what will be affected during your pregnancy? The way your baby is developing in your womb. Your baby's health. Your own health. Drinking alcohol will cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Your child's learning ability. Drinking alcohol has been known to increase the risk of a miscarriage. Malformation of your baby's heart and other developing organs. Stillbirth. Your baby is susceptible to illness later on in adult life.
Not many women know this but drinking alcohol just before you pregnant is the most harmful way of affecting the development of your baby. You should also know that cutting down or stopping alcohol will make a great difference to your baby's health and growth. But you should also know and be aware, that once the damage has been done, you cannot reverse it. So think about your baby's health before you consume your next alcoholic drink.
So my advice to you would be to stop drinking immediately if you're pregnant or you're trying for a baby. Experts have also found evidence that heavy drinking is associated with a low sperm count. So if your partner is a heavy drinker you will need to seek professional advice on how to cut down. If you are finding this hard to do, there is always help around the corner.
