The safest decision is to stop drinking completely so there is ZERO risk of exposing an unborn baby to alcohol.iii
The developing baby is connected to the mother by an umbilical cord to the placenta. There is a protective membrane (thin layer of tissue) between the umbilical cord and the placenta that prevents the mixing of their blood. This common blood supply is in place at about 7-10 days. Anything that goes into the mother’s bloodstream will be passed on to the fetus through a large vein in the umbilical cord. This includes nourishment such as food, water, and oxygen. It also includes other things such as caffeine, alcohol and medication. It also allows the waste products from the fetus to pass back to the mother’s bloodstream through two arteries (also in the umbilical cord). The developing baby’s system breaks down alcohol much more slowly than the mother’s. This makes the baby’s alcohol level higher and the effect lasts longer.
Alcohol is a teratogen (poison) that interferes with the normal development of the developing baby (fetus) causing cells to die or mutate. Fetal cells are particularly at risk because they are dividing rapidly. Teratogens can cross through the placenta.
Some teratogens include:
For a more complete list of teratogens: Things to Avoid During Pregnancy: Teratogens
The effect that alcohol has on one fetus can be different for another fetus. It is influenced by:
The effects of the damage to the brain can be seen through things such as behaviour and learning difficulties. This is why FASD is often called an invisible disability, and makes it different from many other disabilities. For example, a person who is unable to walk may use a wheelchair. A person who is hearing impaired may use a hearing aid. Someone who is unable to see may use a cane or service animal. Often there are no obvious physical signs of the brain damage caused by alcohol.
The effects of alcohol exposure are different for each person. Each individual will have different strengths and struggles throughout life.
The best time for the mother (and the father) to stop drinking alcohol is when trying to get pregnant. Then, there is no chance that alcohol can harm the future baby.
The good news is that most women stop drinking when they learn they are pregnant. Unfortunately, it may take several weeks to confirm a pregnancy. If a woman is drinking during this time, her fetus is exposed to alcohol.
Parents may worry about how alcohol has affected their unborn baby. Alcohol can affect the part of the baby’s brain and body that is developing at the time the pregnant woman is drinking. Each day without alcohol is healthier for the baby.
Good nutrition, reduced stress, caring relationships, regular medical care, and avoiding substances, like alcohol, add up to healthier babies and families.
The best time for the mother (and the father) to stop drinking alcohol is when trying to get pregnant. Then, there is no chance that alcohol can harm the future baby.
The good news is that most women stop drinking when they learn they are pregnant. Unfortunately, it may take several weeks to confirm a pregnancy. If a woman is drinking during this time, her fetus is exposed to alcohol.
Parents may worry about how alcohol has affected their unborn baby. Alcohol can affect the part of the baby’s brain and body that is developing at the time the pregnant woman is drinking. Each day without alcohol is healthier for the baby.
Good nutrition, reduced stress, caring relationships, regular medical care, and avoiding substances, like alcohol, add up to healthier babies and families.
Most women quit drinking alcohol when they find out they are pregnant. For some it is easy; for others it is not as simple. If drinking alcohol is a habit, or if it is hard to quit, a woman can ask for support from:
Her partner, family, friends, or co-workers can also help. She can talk to them about how they can support her to avoid alcohol.
Some women turn down a drink by:
In Canadian society, most men and women drink alcohol. Since almost half of pregnancies are not planned, many developing babies may accidentally be exposed to alcohol.
If a woman has sex with no birth control or ineffective birth control, she may become pregnant. It is best for her not to drink alcohol until she gets her period. If a pregnancy is confirmed, avoiding alcohol is safest for fetal development. It is a good idea for a woman to talk to her healthcare provider about any alcohol use in her pregnancy.
Planning a pregnancy, while not always a reality, is best for the parents and the baby.
with Myles Himmelreich, FASD Consultant and Motivational Speaker
