How Do You Study The Impact Of Drinking Wine While Pregnant Poorly
There are a handful of other studies out there that could convince a pregnant person its okay to pop the cork so long as its only once in a while. But heres the thing: Studies like these have flaws. Depending on how theyre designed and analyzed, they dont always paint an accurate picture of risks.
For one thing, some researchers rely on women to volunteer whether or not they drank alcohol while pregnant, as well as how much and how often. Self-reporting is a notoriously unreliable method of collecting accurate data, whether its a study of exercise habits, food choices, or how frequently people have sex. So, when it comes to something as taboo as drinking alcohol while pregnant, its almost guaranteed that some study participants wont be forthcoming about their drinking.
Heres another problem: There is pretty much no way to conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which is the gold-standard model for producing accurate evidence. It would be straight-up unethical for a researcher to give some pregnant people alcohol, keep others sober, and watch to see what happened with their babies.
And even if a study doesnt find a statistically significant increase in risks due to light or moderate alcohol consumption, that doesnt mean the risks are zero. The CDC and other medical groups use this logic when advocating for total sobriety.
Proven Risks Of Any Alcohol Consumption In Pregnancy
Two studies from 2021 support the idea that alcohol consumption during pregnancy isnt a good idea both for the overall outcome of the pregnancy and for fetal neurodevelopment.
Increased risk of miscarriage is associated with any alcohol use in the first trimester. A study published in January 2021, which recruited patients prior to becoming pregnant and patients up to 7 weeks of pregnancy, showed an 8% increased risk of pregnancy loss each week between 5 and 10 weeks of gestation in patients who consumed alcohol compared to those who abstained.
To reduce the risk of miscarriage, women who are trying to conceive should consider avoiding alcohol. For those unwilling to do that or those with an unplanned pregnancy, stopping drinking as soon as a pregnancy test is positive may improve the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Stillbirth andfetal growth restriction also are associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Results from a suggest that alcohol consumption in pregnancy leads to smaller placentas with abnormal blood vessels and abnormal function on the molecular level.
Can You Drink Wine At 36 Weeks Pregnant
Risks of Drinking Wine While Pregnant. The reason that no alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy is because of the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. Fetal alcohol syndrome occurs when the pregnant mother drinks excessive amounts of alcohol. The alcohol passes through the placenta and into the babys bloodstream.
You May Like: Who Ships Wine To Alabama
You May Like: How To Get Medicaid For Pregnancy Texas
Trading That Wine Cooler For A Refreshing Mocktail
During pregnancy, your body does superhuman things. It creates new organs, almost doubles its blood supply, and grows life faster than you can grow your fingernails. This awe-inspiring work is, well, exhausting.
Pregnancy also comes with a host of side effects and a hormonal roller coaster. Maintaining that pregnancy glow and bliss in the face of this ride can also be tough, and its important to put your feet up and de-stress now and then.
But unwinding with a glass of wine is one option that you shouldnt choose while pregnant. Drinking any kind of alcohol during pregnancy can be very harmful for your baby.
The benefits of trading your glass of red wine for a delicious non-alcoholic lime and lychee mocktail far outweighs the risks. But we know, theres been some conflicting information out there lately so lets take a look at what you need to keep in mind when it comes to whats best for you and your baby.
Dont Miss: Where Can I Buy Cheap Wine Glasses
What Happens To Babies Whose Mothers Drink During Pregnancy
Babies exposed to alcohol before they are born may:
-
be smaller than other babies and
-
have slight differences in their faces small or narrow eyes, and a thin or flat upper lip.
Babies exposed to large amounts of alcohol before birth may go through withdrawal in the first few weeks of life. This withdrawal often starts before they leave the hospital. Symptoms of withdrawal include:
-
extreme irritability
FAS in school-aged children may lead to:
-
learning difficulties, including problems reading
-
difficulty paying attention
-
behaviour problems in the classroom and
-
falling behind in school.
Because of these problems, children with FAS often have low self-esteem. They do best with an education program that is tailored to their needs.
You May Like: What Stops Heartburn While Pregnant
Will A Sip Of Alcohol Hurt My Baby
Is light drinking really that bad for my baby? Heavy drinking is more dangerous to your baby than is light drinking. But unfortunately, even social drinking can have harmful effects on a developing fetus. Alcohol consumption can trigger miscarriage and preterm labor it can also contribute to low birth weight.
Real Wine You Can Drink While Pregnant
Mocktails arent your only option if you want the occasional glass of wine while pregnant.
What kind of wine can you drink while pregnant? The only kind of wine that is safe to drink while pregnant is a non-alcoholic or dealcoholized wine.
Is non-alcoholic wine safe during pregnancy? Yes, non-alcoholic wine is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Its alcohol content is about the same as a bottle of kombucha, which means it poses no known risk to the fetus. However, if you’re unsure, consult with your OB/GYN.
Non-alcoholic wine starts just like the real thing but goes through an additional process to have the alcohol removed. The result is a delicious wine that contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. Thats the threshold for the Surgeon General for pregnancy warning labels.
For some perspective, 0.5% ABV is a similar level to kombucha or some fruit juices that contain trace amounts of alcohol thanks to natural fermentation.
We always recommend talking to your healthcare provider before adding anything new to your diet, even if its dealcoholized wine. For many expecting moms, Surelys non-alcoholic wine has become a safe way to participate in social gatherings or, more simply, enjoy wine again.
Recommended Reading: Where To Find Pregnancy Tests In Walmart
How Can You Keep Your Baby Safe From Alcohol During Pregnancy
If you dont drink alcohol during pregnancy, your baby cant have FASDs or any other health problems caused by alcohol. If you’re pregnant or even thinking about getting pregnant, dont drink alcohol.
Some women may drink alcohol during pregnancy and have babies who seem healthy. Some women may have very little alcohol during pregnancy and have babies with serious health conditions. Every pregnancy is different. Alcohol may hurt one baby more than another. The best way to keep your baby safe from problems caused by alcohol during pregnancy is not to drink alcohol when youre pregnant.
If youre pregnant, trying to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant, dont drink alcohol. When you do get pregnant, get regular prenatal care . Tell your health care provider if you need help to stop drinking alcohol.
When Alcohol Is Dangerous
There is no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for the baby throughout pregnancy, including before a woman knows she is pregnant. Alcohol use in the first three months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features. Growth and central nervous system problems can occur from alcohol use anytime during pregnancy. The babys brain is developing throughout pregnancy and can be affected by exposure to alcohol at any time.
It is never too late to stop alcohol use during pregnancy. Stopping alcohol use will improve the babys health and well-being.
Read Also: What Can I Eat While Pregnant App
How Does Alcohol Pass To The Baby
Alcohol crosses the placenta via the umbilical cord. Not only is the alcohol detrimental for the developing baby, when a pregnant woman drinks heavily, the high blood alcohol concentrations can also interfere with essential nutrients crossing the placenta and getting to the baby.4
After a pregnant woman ingests alcohol, it takes only about 2 hours for the fetuss blood alcohol level to reach that of the mother.1
Alcohol in any amount remains in the fetuss system for a longer period than the mothers system because the fetal alcohol metabolism is slower.1 Thus, if a pregnant woman drinks frequently or in high volumes, the fetus is exposed to alcohol for prolonged periods.
Stopping Drinking When Pregnant
For lots of women, stopping drinking when pregnant can be difficult â sometimes harder than they thought. The social pressure to have a drink can also be huge and can make it harder to say no.
With the right support and a bit of planning, you can do it. Talking to your midwife is the first step towards getting the right support for you and your baby.
You May Like: When Does Your Stomach Get Hard During Pregnancy
Is It Safe To Drink A Little During Pregnancy
The advice is no, not really. Research has shown that even drinking small amounts of alcohol could potentially be harmful for your baby . The UK Chief Medical Officer has therefore recommended that, as a precaution, you shouldnt drink alcohol at all during your pregnancy. This is also the case if youre trying to get pregnant .
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists also back this up. They advise against drinking if you think you could become pregnant, or if youre breastfeeding .
Recommended Reading: Can You Drink Wine In Ketosis
Is My Drinking Out Of Control
Some women know they are drinking too much but do not feel able to talk about it. You may not realise that drinking alcohol has become an issue if you are drinking little and often. Or you might be hiding the fact you are drinking alcohol because you fear being judged.
Everyone who cares for you during your pregnancy wants you to be well and to have a healthy baby. Cutting down or stopping on your own can be difficult, and you may need help.
Talk to your doctor or midwife, they will not judge you and they can offer you more support if you need it.
Read Also: How Quickly Can You Get Pregnant After Mirena Removal
How Does Wine Affect The Developing Baby
Alcohol crosses through the placenta and affects how a baby develops.
It can be especially harmful to the babys brain, which is developing throughout the entire pregnancy. When alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, that baby then has prenatal alcohol exposure.
When it comes to long-term effects on a fetus, alcohol is more harmful than heroin, tobacco or fentanyl. Whilst most infants withdraw from the aforementioned drugs, FASD is a lifelong condition. 11
You can see what is developing at each stage of pregnancy here.
People who have been exposed to alcohol while in utero may have trouble with things like:
Wine & Pregnancy Studies
There are several research studies published by scientists from the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders , the worlds leading FASD research consortium, that have examined moderate prenatal alcohol exposure.
Heres what some other solid published studies concluded:
You May Like: What Wine Goes With Pasta
Read Also: What To Get Pregnant Friend For Birthday
Pregnancy Risks Of Drinking Red Wine
While all the potential benefits of red wine in pregnancy have been laid out to you, it is crucial to realize that the harmful effect on babies due to heavy consumption of alcohol during pregnancy have been clearly established. The damage include a group of problems known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which manifest in restricted growth, facial deformities, neurological complications, as well as cognitive and behavioral disorders. The cognitive and behavioral issues that may arise are anxiety, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and attention-deficit disorders. This problem may even persist until adulthood in form of addiction.
It is also important to know that during the consumption of red wine, the alcohol substance can seep through the placenta. Meaning that anything which passes through the placenta will most likely enter the babys blood stream. As a result, it may affect the fetal development during pregnancy and cause birth defects in form of physical deformities and even mental retardation. In addition, during pregnancy, the babys organ has not reached full maturity, including the liver, which in adults has a vital role in getting rid of alcohol. You may guess already that a babys immature liver is not able to regulate the high concentration of alcohol In blood.
Here are the best food during pregnancy:
What If I Drank Before I Realized I Was Pregnant
Women frequently come to us worried because they had a few drinks before they noticed a missed period. I assure them there is little evidence to suggest that they harmed their pregnancy.
And I emphasize that stopping now that theyve found out theyre pregnant can still improve pregnancy and fetal outcomes.
I also use this opportunity to discuss how much they normally drink and to educate them about the risks of drinking during pregnancy. If they dont want to stop drinking entirely, we discuss what might be a reasonable limit. I tell patients I think one to two drinks a week is unlikely to be harmful but that I cant guarantee that there are no possible risks. Most of the time, patients just want to know its OK to have a glass of wine to celebrate a special occasion.
If you have a problem with alcohol, dont be ashamed to ask for help. Addiction is a disease, and most people cant manage it on their own. Your doctor can refer you to a therapist or program that may be able to help. We are here to help you, and we will not judge you. The sooner you get help, the better life will be for you and your baby.
To visit with a doctor, request an appointmentonline or call .
Don’t Miss: Is It Safe To Take Flonase While Pregnant
When Should You Stop Consuming Alcohol
The simple answer: as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Even in the first few weeks of pregnancy, its not safe to partake in any form of alcohol use, as it may still cause FASDs. This is why its recommended that if youre actively trying to have a baby or sexually active without being on birth control, you should completely avoid any form of drinking, whether or not you know if conception has occurred.
There is no known safe amount or safe time to drink wine/alcohol during pregnancy. It may seem like a glass of wine is safer than a can of beer, but this isnt so. According to the CDC , A 5-ounce glass of white wine during pregnancy has the same amount of alcohol as a 12-ounce can of beer or a 1.5-ounce shot of straight liquor. This means that all forms of alcohol are just as harmful as the others.
Here Are Some Tips That Have Helped Pregnant Women Skip Their Alcohol Consumption:
- Take help from your partner and your close circle. They can help in distracting you when you have an urge. It would help if you were open about your cravings with people you can trust.
- Notice the pattern. You might be wanting a drink during specific times of the day or weeks. It could be after a hard day at work or over the weekend. Make initial plans to be distracted and stay prepared in advance.
- Dispose off all the alcohol in your house. You can also relocate them to a friends house for the time being.
- Replace a drink of your choice and dramatize the whole experience. It could be a frozen ginger ale or an aromatic green tea of your choice. Choosing green tea will do you more good than you can imagine. It will add to your water intake and also give you antioxidants.
- Avoid events and people that will make it difficult for you to avoid a drink.
- Seek help and make networks in online support groups. You might be able to find help from women who undergo the same problems as you.
Discussion of Alcohol during pregnancy has been a muddy discussion for a while now. You may take the chance of grabbing a drink or choose otherwise. If you do, its a risk you must be willing to move ahead with. There is no point in regretting after the act is over.
And if you choose to control your urges, hang strong, its just a matter of time. You can soon be able to grab a drink without any regrets once the child is out and healthy.
severe health-related reasons
Don’t Miss: What To Do To Get Rid Of Pregnancy
