The Dangers of Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy

The Dangers of Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy

A recent study conducted in Denmark found that moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy resulted in no adverse effects on a child; however, there is controversy about these results. For a pregnant woman, the decision of drinking alcohol can impact the well-being of her unborn child as well as her own.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that there is no confirmed safe amount of alcohol that pregnant women can consume. There seems to be too many unanswered questions regarding fetal alcohol exposure. As of yet, experts do not know how much alcohol can cause fetal alcohol syndrome in an unborn child. This condition can cause many health problems for the fetus such as heart defects, poor muscle tone and mental retardation. In addition, the study that was conducted only followed children up to 5 years of age. This still leaves uncertainty for when these children reach adolescence.

For many pregnant women, giving up drinking alcohol for nine months may not be a difficult task, yet many women struggle with abstaining from alcohol. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 5.3 million women in the U.S. have a drinking problem that affects health, safety, and general well-being. If the thought of not drinking alcohol seems impossible, especially when pregnant, then you may be addicted to alcohol. Seeking treatment at an alcohol treatment center can save your life and the life of your unborn child. Call Recovery Connection at 866-879-6715
to begin motherhood healthy and sober.