While there is a lot of grey area when it comes to what you should and shouldn’t consume during pregnancy, the research is clear that no amount of alcohol use is considered safe for unborn babies. Many individuals are still unaware of this fact, however, and it is common to hear well-intentioned people talk about the safety of having one or two drinks when pregnant. This misinformation puts unborn babies at risk of several physical and cognitive developmental issues and puts pregnant mothers at risk of addiction, as well as deteriorating mental health. Health issues and cognitive impairments found in a child exposed to alcohol use before birth are considered to be one of many fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Alcohol consumed by a pregnant woman is passed to the baby through the umbilical cord and may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a wide array of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASDs. Common symptoms of FASDs include small head size, low body weight, abnormal facial features, difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, language delays, low IQ, vision problems, poor hearing, and problems with major organs such as the heart. While many women assume these disorders only occur in babies who were exposed to enormous amounts of alcohol use, studies continue to suggest that no amount of alcohol exposure is safe while pregnant. Some alcohol producers worldwide are beginning to publish inaccurate claims about the safety of drinking while pregnant in an attempt to lure misinformed mothers to continue to buy their products. Additionally, women with a history of alcohol abuse may intend on giving up alcohol during their pregnancy, only to be convinced otherwise by the suggestion that some alcohol use is okay. The only sure way to prevent FASDs is to avoid alcohol use during pregnancy entirely. Pregnant mothers who feel they may be addicted to alcohol should seek professional treatment to ensure their own health and the health of their child.
If you or someone you love has developed an addiction, now is the time to reach out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.