For many women, the question of whether or not they can drink wine during pregnancy can lead to some confusing answers. From some sources, they may have heard that drinking while pregnant is never acceptable, while from others, they may have heard that small amounts are perfectly fine. While there is some discussion on whether you can have the occasional glass, many health professionals will tell you that drinking more than four ounces of wine occasionally while pregnant should be avoided. For some individuals, however, it’s difficult to drink only that amount. If this is the case for you and you are pregnant, reach out for help.
If you have an addiction to alcohol, you should consider seeking help at an alcohol addiction treatment center immediately once you find out you are pregnant. A treatment center provides detox, rehab, and aftercare to help you through all stages of recovery. Rehab can be especially helpful to help you cope with pregnancy without turning to wine.
Current Guidelines Regarding Drinking While Pregnant
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the current guidelines strongly recommend that you drink zero alcohol during pregnancy. There is no minimum amount of wine that is safe for your baby. Wine contains ethyl alcohol, a toxin that can harm the development of your child.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that you immediately stop drinking wine or any other form of alcohol if you meet the following conditions:
- You are pregnant
- You believe that you are pregnant
- You are trying to get pregnant
- The results of your recent pregnancy test are positive
- You demonstrate one or more common symptoms of pregnancy
- You have not yet consulted your doctor to determine if you are pregnant
If there is a chance that you may be pregnant or you have a confirmed pregnancy, you should stop drinking. Drinking while pregnant – even in the early stages – can harm your unborn child.
How Drinking While Pregnant Can Hurt Your Baby
Any exposure to alcohol can increase a baby’s risk of numerous short-term and terminal health problems, such as:
- Slowed or stunted organ growth in the unborn child
- Higher alcohol concentration in your baby’s bloodstream
- Oxygen or nutrient blockage to the baby
- Permanent brain damage
- Physical birth defects
- Premature birth or lower at-birth weight
- Stillbirth or miscarriage
Large amounts of alcohol can cause the baby to form an addiction or dependency on alcohol at birth. They may have to go through a period of alcohol detox immediately after birth before they can be released from the hospital.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness
Drinking while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. This condition occurs as a result of a baby’s exposure to alcohol while in the womb. The effects can range from physical birth defects to medical conditions and mental health issues. A child that suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome disorders may have a combination of all of these problems.
Fetal alcohol syndrome awareness is important in the earliest stages of pregnancy, so that you know to stop drinking as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. This is especially important since it can take up to six weeks for you to find out that you are pregnant.
If you want to find out more about fetal alcohol syndrome awareness, then contact a local alcohol addiction treatment center in Ohio or speak with your doctor. You can find out how to prevent this condition as an expecting mother.
Learn More About Drinking While Pregnant at Midwest Detox Center
If you would like to learn more about the dangers of drinking wine or other forms of alcohol while pregnant, then contact Midwest Detox Center. We offer a variety of addiction treatment therapies for alcoholism and drug addiction. Our women’s detox programs can address the unique needs of expectant mothers.
Call Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392 today to speak with a treatment specialist and get started on your road to recovery.
