Finding out that you are pregnant and expecting a child is a time of celebration. There will be lots of excitement around you as family and friends come together to celebrate the future arrival.
There is a lot of conflicting information out there about whether it is okay to drink when pregnant and how much is safe. In this blog, we will answer all your questions about drinking alcohol while you are pregnant.
Is It Okay to Have a Drink When I Am Pregnant?
There is no definitive answer to this question, although the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against any alcohol consumption throughout the course of pregnancy.
While you may be tempted to have a glass of champagne at the baby shower, the safest option is to wait until after the baby arrives.
What Happens if I Was Drinking Before I Knew I Was Pregnant?
The first thing to do is not worry. This happens to a lot of mothers, especially when they have an unexpected pregnancy or have not noticed any signs yet. In this case, it is best to stop drinking immediately after you find out and raise any concerns you may have with your pediatrician.
In most cases, if you have consumed a small amount of alcohol in the early stages of pregnancy, there should be no lasting effects on your baby. However, this depends on the amount you drank and how often you were drinking before finding out about the pregnancy.
How Does Drinking Alcohol Affect My Unborn Baby?
Whenever you drink any amount of alcohol, it enters your bloodstream and passes through your placenta to your baby. Because your baby doesn’t have a fully developed liver, they are unable to process the alcohol. This can have a negative impact on its growth.
Drinking alcohol while pregnant increases the risk of a miscarriage or a premature birth. Constant exposure to alcohol during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), which can lead to developmental and physical problems, including:
- Low body weight
- Hyperactive behavior
- Learning disabilities
- Vision or hearing problems
- Problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones
- Shorter than average height
These symptoms can have an impact throughout the child’s lifetime, but the good news is that FASDs are preventable by not drinking alcohol while pregnant.
How Can I Avoid Alcohol During Pregnancy?
You may find that you naturally go off the taste of alcohol when you become pregnant. Many women do so, making it much easier to avoid falling victim to temptation.
Family and friends are usually very supportive and may even join you in abstaining while pregnant. That said, during social events, your friends may absentmindedly offer you a drink. Politely decline and go for a soft drink you enjoy instead.
If you think you may be tempted to have a small glass of something when you go out, it may be best to avoid any situations or places where you would typically drink alcohol.
When you get pregnant, it is essential to get regular prenatal care. If you need any help to stop drinking alcohol, your pediatrician in Arvada will be able to offer support.
If you have any concerns or questions about your pregnancy, call us today to book an appointment with one of our friendly, board-certified pediatricians in Arvada.