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Many women enjoy an alcoholic drink on occasion but should women who are planning to become pregnant or who are already pregnant drink alcohol?As there is no proven safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, it is generally recommended that women who are pregnant should avoid all alcohol. Furthermore, some women may not realise that they are pregnant for a number of weeks, so those who may be pregnant or are planning a pregnancy should abstain from or cut down their alcohol intake. Interestingly, many women develop a distaste for alcohol in pregnancy, which, for some, can be the first indication that they are pregnant. It could be that this is nature's way of protecting the foetus.
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol it quickly passes through the placenta to the umbilical cord and on to the baby. Because of the baby's size and developing state the alcohol can be harmful. As the baby's liver is immature the alcohol takes longer to break down and may remain at an elevated level for quite some time, which, in some circumstances, can cause life-long damage. Therefore, it is not only the regular drinker but also the woman who drinks infrequently--with the occasional binge--who may put her baby at risk at a very early stage.
According to recent studies, women who drink even small amounts of alcohol while trying to conceive may reduce their chances of becoming pregnant. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and stillbirth.
