More than half of them reported drinking alcohol during the first three months of pregnancy. Twenty-five percent reported low alcohol consumption, or three to seven drinks per week (“a drink” defined as a glass of wine Drug rehabilitation or a little less than a 12-ounce bottle of beer). Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact egg quality in women. It can disrupt hormone levels, interfere with ovulation, and potentially damage the genetic material in eggs. This can reduce fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects.
Should you drink alcohol during pregnancy?
Drinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects in a fetus. Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the immature body of the fetus than in the body of an adult. This can cause the alcohol levels to remain high and stay in the baby’s body longer. The risk of miscarriage and stillbirth also goes up if the mother drinks alcohol. For example, this 2014 study looked at 1,303 https://ecosoberhouse.com/ pregnant women in the United Kingdom and their alcohol consumption before pregnancy and during all three trimesters. Results suggested that drinking — even fewer than two drinks per week — in the first trimester increased risk of complications, like lower birth weight and pre-term birth.
Water
Other studies suggest pregnant women who have an occasional drink don’t harm themselves or their baby. A 2012 Danish study, for example, found that low to moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy did not affect executive functioning among is it safe to drink alcohol while pregnant 5-year-olds. Executive functioning is a catchall term that describes the ability to perform activities such as planning, organizing, strategizing, remembering details, and managing time. One question that hasn’t gotten nearly as much scrutiny, however, is how solid the science behind the CDC’s advice is.
Avoid: Too many sugary beverages
It’s also important never to fall asleep in the same bed or sleep area with a baby while you’re under the influence of alcohol. This can increase a baby’s risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Unfortunately, there is no amount of beer that’s considered safe to consume during pregnancy.
Risks Associated With Drinking Beer During Pregnancy
Occasionally indulging in a sugary beverage is probably A-okay, but it’s best to maintain balance and overdoing it throughout your pregnancy. In an article for WebMD, Elizabeth Ward, a registered dietician and nutrition consultant, highlighted some of the risks. High levels of lead can cause low birth weight, preterm delivery, and developmental delays. You might think turning to bottled water to be your safest bet, but Ward explained that’s not always true.