Pregnancy and alcohol don't mix

In this article, you’ll get answers to these questions: 

1. How can alcohol harm your baby?

2. What are quick tips for avoiding alcohol?

3. What should you do if you need help to stop drinking? 

Avoid alcohol if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Alcohol could affect your baby even in that window of time before you learn you are pregnant.  

1. HOW CAN ALCOHOL HARM YOUR BABY? 

• Increases the chances of premature birth and low birthweight. 

• Increases the chances of brain damage and development issues. 

• Increases the chances of birth defects such as heart defects, hearing problems or vision problems. 

• Increases the chances of a miscarriage or stillbirth. 

• Can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (called FASDs). These disorders can cause intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as delay physical development. Binge drinking during pregnancy (four or more drinks on the same occasion) increases the chances of a baby being born with FASDs. 

2. WHAT ARE QUICK TIPS FOR AVOIDING ALCOHOL? 

• Tell your partner, friends and family that you are not drinking. Ask them to support you. 

• Remove alcohol from your home to avoid temptation. 

• Avoid situations where you are tempted to drink. 

• Plan to drink other things. 

3. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU NEED HELP TO STOP DRINKING? 

• Talk to your doctor. 

• Call one of the local Alcoholics Anonymous support groups: 

• For northern and central Palm Beach County, call 561-655-5700 or click here. 

• For southern Palm Beach County, call 561-276-4581 or click here.

SOURCE:

• Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County