Can you drink Alcohol while your pregnant?

Question

Like...... Beer........... wine...... or any type of alcohol?

Answer 1

Absolutely not.

Answer 2

alcohol is a drug and although it was once thought that moderate drinking did not threaten the fetus, it is now believed that alcohol can have devastating effects on the unborn child. Recent studies also indicate that even moderate drinking increases the risk of miscarriage. In a recent study it was found that even low levels of alcohol use may harm the fetus. Clinicians agree there is no minimum level of alcohol a pregnant woman can drink and be certain the fetus is not harmed. Babies born to mothers who consumed high levels of alcohol during their pregnancies are characterized by poor growth (before and after birth), as well as structural changes such as abnormalities of the face, ears, joints, limbs, and heart, and mental retardation. This clearly shows that the damage to the fetus occurs while the fetus' tissues are developing. The term "fetal alcohol syndrome" (FAS) is given to the children whose mothers consume high levels of alcohol during pregnancies. There is simply no way to determine what, if any, level of alcohol is safe for the pregnant woman to drink. Therefore, no alcoholic beverages should be consumed during pregnancy. There is no known "safe" amount of alcohol exposure to the fetus. So far studies are inconclusive except for the fact that alcohol affects the brain of the fetus. It is known that babies born to alcoholics are also addicted to alcohol and often are not normal even after addiction has been cured. For most pregnant women the question of alcohol revolves around social drinking. The best answer, of course, is to treat alcohol as you would any other drug-don't use it. If you do drink at social gatherings, substitute with non-alcholic beverages. Recently published research spanning 12 years of study suggests the alchol intake of a man prior to mating can result in fetal abnormalities even if the woman does not drink any alcohol. It is believed that alcohol can also have a mutagenic (an abnormal change in the genes) effect on the sperm. Most interesting, the studies indicate the group of men primarily affected are the moderate drinkers, not the very heavy drinkers (larger intake of alcohol frequently causes infertility). Remeber, your wouldn't give a gin and tonic to your newborn, so why offer it to your unborn baby?

Answer 3

Regular, moderate to heavy drinking has been shown to produce Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and result in a range of problems including retardation, emotional problems, and fetal and infant demise. Nobody in the world will argue with that. No pregnant woman should get drunk.

Occasional, small amounts of alcohol will not significantly increase the risk of damage to the baby. One drink per week or less is the safest amount. More than that has been shown in a recent study to increase the risk for lowered intelligence, but I have not yet examined that study for integrity (control for all variables, including IQ and education of parents, breastfeeding, etc., that could affect the outcome) so I still regard it with suspicion.

Bear in mind that our society currently has an unrealistic relationship with risk. American health practice is attempting to remove all risk from our lives, at any cost to our freedom, our independence, and our enjoyment of life. This is often done on the basis of dubious research. Question everything you hear carefully, and remember that what "everyone knows" changes at least every decade.

Answer 4

I didn't drink hardly anything with my daughter. My doctor said that you should completely avoid alcohol because even small amounts are likely to cause problems. I woudl wait until that very wonderful day when you bring your baby home and then sit down and have the drink of your choice. If you are going to breastfeed then just knwo it is okay to have one glass of wine. it will make the baby sleepy. Just don't over do it. BTW: I had one glass of red wine in my third trimester (baby is fully formed) and she was very healthy but I don't advise anything more.

Answer 5

In your later months of pregnancy, I've heard that it is ok to have a glass of wine now and then. I also read where some celebrity was told by her doctor to drink a Guiness during her pregnancy because that beer has a lot of iron in it.

Answer 6

first reaction is Hell NO, but if you ask your doctor they'll say a glass of wine wont hurt. Dont go drinking at the bar and downing drinks all night long. But I didnt drink a single drop of alcohol when I was prego.

Answer 7

I believe a glass of wine once a week is fine, but that is it. You shouldn't consume any other alcohol or any more than that because it can really harm the baby.

Answer 8

any type of alcohol can interfere with the development of the baby and lead to FAS, or fetal alcohol syndrome. FAS causes poor body development, poor mental development and could cause death. This could mean that your baby could be born with no lungs and so forth. Poor mental development would lead to mental retardation. So the answer to your question is absolutely do not drink any type of alcohol

Answer 9

Definitely NO BEER! One glass of red wine on occasion (no more than once a week) is more than fine. In moderation, it's actually good for you and your baby (because of the anti-oxidants). Talk to you're OB first though.

Answer 10

Any kind of liquor is bad when pregnant. Do you want your kid to look like a fish? You must be an Alcoholic if you feel the need to drink.

Answer 11

Scientists do not know the safe amount. They dont know why some babies get FAS and some dont. I drank a few glasses of wine during the week and had no issues.