Why you should not drink alcohol during pregnancy
Drinking alcohol in a general way increases the chances of suffering diseases related to the heart, causes hypertension and generates the development of other diseases related to the pancreas. In addition, it has been shown that even drinking little alcohol increases the risk of suffering cancer.
When it is in gestation period, the alcohol must be eliminated completely. This is stated by some institutions such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Some studies published in Spain concluded that about 40% of women drink alcohol in the first three months of pregnancy, while 1 in 10 continue drinking until the last months.
This is a big mistake, since research reveals that there is not an amount of alcohol that is considered safe to drink during pregnancy, therefore, it is better not to take anything.
These are the dangerous effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy
When there are alterations that are associated with alcohol when there is pregnant then we talk about TEAF (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders), which translates into serious problems such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
In this sense, we must remember a study published this year inThe Lancet. Global Health (and titled "Estimation of national, regional, and global prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy and fetal alcohol syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis"), In which it is estimated that one out of every 67 women who consume alcohol in pregnancy could give birth to a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome.
And what are its consequences? They are the following:
Low birth weight
One of the consequences of drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the low weight that occurs in the baby at birth.
Premature delivery
Another consequence of bad habits, such as smoking or drinking alcohol, is premature delivery. A problem that has negative consequences and that hinders the good growth of the baby.
Physical malformations
Physical malformations can also occur in the fetus, such as abnormal facial features or growth problems, because it can be deficient before and after delivery. This is compounded by problems with movement and balance, and poor muscle tone.
Increase in blood pressure
The pregnant woman who drinks during the months of pregnancy may suffer an increase in blood pressure and this directly affects the health of the baby.
Behavior problems
As the baby is born and grows, children who have gestated while the mother has drunk alcohol during pregnancy may have behavioral problems, develop hyperactivity, have trouble concentrating, and be unsocial. This is also related to learning problems that, in the long run, complicate children in their daily lives.
Cardiac abnormalities
The child may also suffer abnormalities related to the heart and develop diseases that may be related to this problem.
Alterations in the central nervous system of the fetus
Consuming alcohol in pregnancy can also affect the central nervous system of the fetus and this can happen even if pregnant women drink a drink per week, because the chances of children being born with such problems are greater if you drink alcohol.
Neither wine nor beer are healthy
An increasing number of nutritionists are positioning themselves against the idea that "drinking a little alcohol is good, especially if it is beer or wine". This is the case, for example, of Julio Basulto, recognized nutritionist who already in his book"Mom eats healthy" He warned about the terrible statistics in Spain, which found that around 35% of women drink alcohol, about 4 out of 10 pregnant women.
In turn, it has recently been published in the specialized editionReproductive Healtha study entitled "Prevalence of prenatal exposure to substances of abuse: questionnaire versus biomarkers", in which researchers warn about the use of both alcohol and cannabis or cocaine, since "it increases the risk of obstetric complications and has serious consequences, not only in the development of the fetus, but also has lifelong implications. "
What behavior to adopt to avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy?
A large part of pregnant women do not have a hard time being 9 or more months without taking any alcohol. They are preserving their health and that of their future child. At present, there are non-alcoholic beers that have a flavor similar to beer with and that perfectly substitute drinks with alcohol.
Water, natural juices, infusions, teas, drinks without gas or sugar ... are the best drinks for pregnancy. In addition, we will keep in mind that we will also reduce drinks with caffeine.
Home planning is necessary to avoid drinking alcohol when it is not necessary.One way to do this is to talk with the couple so that they also reduce alcohol consumption if we see that it affects the pregnant woman.
Opting for a healthy lifestyle is the best option, so it does not hurt to ask the gynecologist for advice, visit a nutritionist before getting pregnant and know what to do at all times so that the pregnancy is much more bearable without taking a bit of alcohol.
The sincerity in the clinic or clinic avoids the development of many problems that can be avoided. So if the pregnant woman has a problem with alcohol she should recognize it and face it as another therapy. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesAlcohol Nutrition pregnancy
