Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmentalal Disorders (ARND), Static Encephalopathyhy (alcohol exposed) (SE) or Alcohol Related Birth Defects (ARBD) are all names for disorders which result when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol. We would like to believe that all women of child bearing ages are aware of the damaging effects of alcohol on the developing fetus, refraining from alcohol intake during pregnancy. Unfortunately, even though we live is a sophisticated society, still today there are more than ten percent of children who have been exposed to high levels of alcohol while iuteroro.
Is Occasional Alcohol Consumption Harmful For The Developing Fetus?
Seems like there should be some type of safe zone, one which will allow pregnant women to consume alcohol without causing harm of their baby. A little alcohol should not hurt my baby, right? Well it is interesting to know that it only takes a very little amount of alcohol intake to cause serious harm on the developing fetus. In fact recent research has proven that there is a correlation between a single exposure to high levels of alcohol in pregnant women and significant brain damage to their unborn child. As a result, the developing fetus who is exposed to alcohol will suffer with varying degrees of effects. This means that their child may be born with mild learning disabilities, or they may be born with major problems such as impaired physical, mental and intellectual functioning.
Summary:
Babies in utero are nourished by their mother's placenta. Nutrients as well as some drugs are able to cross the placental membrane, and unfortunately alcohol is one of the drugs that is able to do so. In the past it has been emphasized that the unborn fetus is subject to harm primarily during the mother's first trimester. As a result, many pregnant women may feel that is safe for their fetus if they consume alcohol after their first three months of pregnancy. Yes, it is true that the developing fetus is more vulnerable during the first three months of their uterine life. However, pregnant women should not develop a false sense of security behind this because the developing fetus is an ongoing process. Therefore it is susceptible to harm at any time during the pregnancy.
All pregnant women should seek medical attention and advice during their pregnancy. There is so much information available now. Society has so much literature to offer on the web, at health fairs, in doctor's office, etc. Therefore, no pregnancy should ever result in a baby born with Fetal-Alcohol Syndrome, especially when this birth defect is one that mothers have control over and can prevent. If you are pregnant and you have a problem with alcohol please reach out for help. Please don't unintentionally harm your developing child! Your unborn child needs you to always do the right thing.
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