When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her unborn baby. Alcohol in the mother’s bloodstream passes directly through the umbilical cord to interfere with the development of her baby’s body, brain, and organs. Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy also face a high risk of miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome.
If you are pregnant and need help quitting drinking, understand that drug rehab can help you achieve long-term abstinence from alcohol and reduce negative health consequences for both you and your unborn baby.
Statistics on Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
- Alcohol is used by roughly 20% of pregnant women in the U.S.
- An estimated 3 to 4% of women report binge drinking during pregnancy.
- More than 3 million women in the U.S. are at risk of exposing their unborn babies to alcohol due to drinking, having sex, and not using birth control to prevent pregnancy.
- 100% of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are completely preventable.
- Roughly 1 in 20 U.S school children may have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
- Between 56 and 92% of pregnant alcohol users suffer from co-occurring mental illnesses.
The Risk of Miscarriage and Stillbirth
The impact of alcohol during pregnancy is profound, and it can contribute to pregnancy loss. Miscarriage, or the loss of a baby before 20 weeks, is one of the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption. Drinking can disrupt the development of the placenta and fetus, making it more difficult for the pregnancy to continue.
Beyond miscarriage, stillbirth, the loss of a baby after 20 weeks is another devastating possibility when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy. Alcohol can interfere with the baby’s development, leading to complications that may result in stillbirth.
To protect your pregnancy and the future of your child, the best approach is to avoid alcohol entirely. If you’ve experienced a miscarriage or are worried about the risks, consulting with a healthcare provider about safe pregnancy practices is essential for peace of mind and a healthier pregnancy.
How Does Alcohol Affect Unborn Babies?
When you drink alcohol during pregnancy, the risks extend beyond developmental disabilities. One serious consequence is the increased likelihood of preterm birth, when a baby arrives before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm babies often face health challenges from the very beginning, including difficulty breathing, feeding issues, and long-term developmental delays. They are more likely to develop fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, or FASDs, if they are exposed to alcohol in the womb. The following are examples of FASDs:
- Abnormal facial features
- Poor coordination
- Poor memory
- Poor attention span
- Poor reasoning and judgment
- Hyperactive behavior
- Vision or hearing problems
- Learning disabilities
- Speech and language delays
- Intellectual disability
- Problems with the kidneys, heart, or bones
Even more concerning is the effect alcohol can have on your baby’s weight. Babies born with low birth weight (LBW), weighing less than 5 pounds 8 ounces, are at higher risk for a variety of complications. These might include respiratory problems, trouble regulating body temperature, and a greater chance of neurological development issues later in life. Alcohol disrupts the natural growth process, hindering your baby’s ability to develop properly in the womb.
By avoiding alcohol during pregnancy, you reduce the risk of these serious complications, ensuring a healthier start for your baby. If you’re struggling to stop drinking, don’t hesitate to seek support from health professionals who can guide you through the process of quitting safely.
Risk Factors for Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
Alcohol dependence is the strongest risk factor for alcohol use during pregnancy. Women who were dependent on alcohol before becoming pregnant are highly likely to continue using alcohol after conceiving. Other risk factors for alcohol use during pregnancy include poverty, homelessness, mental illness, a history of physical or sexual abuse, and drug or alcohol use by the woman’s partner.
Support for Pregnant Women Who Need to Quit Drinking
If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Many women face this challenge, but help is available, and the path to a healthier pregnancy starts with reaching out for support. Alcohol treatment programs designed specifically for pregnant women can provide the medical care and emotional support you need to quit drinking safely. Taking the first step toward recovery can be daunting, but it’s a vital decision that will set the foundation for a healthier future for you and your baby.
America’s Rehab Campuses offer alcohol and drug detox services to help pregnant women safely recover from drug dependence while reducing the risk of FADS and other pregnancy-related complications. Contact us today to learn more about our many drug rehab programs that can be customized for you or a pregnant loved one who needs help fighting and recovering from addiction.
