Dangers of Alcohol Consumption for Pregnant Mothers

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Despite the plethora of information available on the subject a large number of women continue to drink during pregnancy, jeopardising the health of their unborn babies.

A study by The Centre for Disease Control in The USA showed that drinking during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in children. Drinking not only affects the unborn baby but can also increase the risk of miscarriages, the study also showed. It was also the leading cause of premature birth or still born babies.

While some of the effects are demonstrated in childhood, sadly others may present themselves during adulthood such as developmental delays, learning disabilities, behavioural problems, mental illnesses and some effects that were displayed in childhood were heart defects, problems developing normally, low birth weight. Therefore it is recommended that pregnant women as well as breast feeding mothers avoid consuming alcohol altogether. The risks are too great and the effects can be long term.

Some of the effects of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are demonstrated in childhood while others may present themselves during adulthood:

Some of the childhood effects may include heart defects, developmental problems and low birth weight. Some of the effects that becomes evident in adulthood include, developmental delays,learning difficulties, behavioural problems and are prone to mental illness.

Drinking during pregnancy can also contribute to miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth of babies.

 

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