Why do some people still think that drinking wine while pregnant is acceptable? Any alcohol consumption during pregnancy can affect the unborn baby.
It is understandable why there’s so much confusion over what pregnant people can or cannot eat or drink. After all, it can be difficult to go through a pregnancy without the help of favorite comfort foods, drinks, and other substances. However, cravings should not be given more importance than the health of an unborn child.
If you or someone you know is pregnant and still craving that glass of wine at the end of the day, this may be a sign of a substance abuse issue. An alcohol rehab program provides support for sobriety. Contact Midwest Detox Center today and ask about our addiction treatment programs. Call 833.647.0392 or reach out to our team online.
Does Drinking Wine While Pregnant Hurt the Baby?
In general, it’s known in medical and educated circles that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause many complications – particularly when it comes to the health and development of the unborn child.
However, opinions may differ on the amount of alcohol that’s dangerous or the type of alcohol that’s acceptable. For example, some people will insist that it’s okay to drink wine or beer while pregnant. Despite the varying information you might have heard, it seems that the safest and most universal fact is that drinking alcohol during pregnancy is harmful. Thus, it makes the most sense to completely refrain from drinking any alcohol.
What Are the Facts About Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy?
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the substance passes from their blood through the placenta and into their unborn baby. This can be very damaging, as a baby’s liver is one of the last organs to develop – it doesn’t mature or start to function until the very late stages of pregnancy. This means that unborn babies cannot process alcohol as well as people do.
Too much exposure to alcohol can seriously affect how babies develop in the womb and the quality of their health after they’re born. Some will grow up with behavioral problems and learning difficulties, among other challenges. Drinking alcohol in the first three months of pregnancy also increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and the baby having a low birthweight. Drinking heavily throughout pregnancy can also cause the unborn baby to develop a serious condition called fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
FAS can cause growth problems and brain damage. Any defects caused by FAS are not reversible. The severity of FAS symptoms varies, but they include a mix of behavioral problems, cognitive disabilities, physical defects, and problems functioning normally in daily life.
What Are the Signs of Alcohol Addiction?
Alcoholism and its long-term effects can spiral out of control quickly and can even impair decision-making skills. If you or someone you know is pregnant and still insisting on drinking, you need to get professional help. Stopping alcohol use is the best choice for both mother and child.
Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol addiction are the following:
- Becoming isolated and distant from friend groups and family members
- Changing appearance and friend groups
- Choosing drinking alcohol over other responsibilities and obligations
- Drinking alcohol alone or in secrecy
- Exhibiting signs of irritability and extreme mood swings
- Experiencing short-term memory loss or temporary blackouts
- Feeling hungover when not drinking alcohol
- Making excuses for drinking alcohol, such as to relax or deal with stress
Learn More About Midwest Detox Center’s Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program
If you or someone you care about is craving alcohol during pregnancy, you need professional help to deal with alcohol addiction. Contact Midwest Detox Center by calling 833.647.0392 or reaching out to our team online.
