Alcohol Consumptions during Pregnancy

By Faten K. Alghamdi

Evidence on the safe limit of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is not known yet.  The effect is not the same for all women.  In United States, up to 15% of pregnant women consume alcohol once a month.  Most women have self-control on limiting their use of alcohol while pregnant.   Research had shown that women, who had experienced hazardous alcohol complication prior to being pregnant, have reduced their use of alcohol.  The study showed more than 50% of pregnant women have stopped consuming alcohol, less than 30% had alcohol once a month, 15% consumed alcohol 2-3 times a month.

Of course, alcohol consumption increase risk of miscarriage in pregnant women, which studies have shown that happens in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.  Women who identify themselves as moderate drinkers with one drink a month, have better chances to go beyond the first 13 weeks.  Studies have shown no evidence of high risk of abortion on low to medium consumers of alcohol.  There is enough evidence to prove risks of having babies born with low weight.  However, risk of miscarrying a baby increases with every ounce of alcohol consumed per day by more than 20%. 

Alcohol consumption in moderate to high quantities affect the development of the brain cells in babies.  Research shows psychological behavior, social, and comprehension problems with babies born to moms who drank heavily or frequently during pregnancy.  Alcohol is toxic for the development of baby’s during pregnancy and has to be avoided.  Women who are planning to have babies should stop drinking and use healthy diet to support the development of their upcoming baby’s.

Reference

Guerrini, I., Jackson, S., and Keaney, F.,: Pregnancy and alcohol misuse. Journal of BMJ. March 30, 2009; 338:b845.