Research released this week has revealed that ‘any amount of alcohol can harm a foetus’, which no doubt strikes fear into the hearts of every expecting mother who’s had a glass of wine here or there.
The review of 23 previous studies, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, stated: ‘Our results showed a likely causal detrimental role of prenatal alcohol exposure on cognitive outcomes, and weaker evidence for a decrease in birth weight, confirming results from conventional observational studies.’
Although most health professionals already advise abstaining from alcohol, this study is thought to cement a more evidence-based causal link between drinking and the symptoms of Feotal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, which can cause symptoms like learning difficulties and heart and lung problems.
Researchers recommend that ‘guidance should continue to advise abstention from alcohol in pregnancy.’
While this is good in theory, for those of us who’ve had the occasional glass of champers at a wedding or piece of rum cake, it’s important to know what harm small amounts can actually do.
Effects of drinking alcohol while pregnant
These effects will be seen more acutely if you drink in the first trimester of your pregnancy, and can result in a miscarriage.
This is because the foetus is still in the very early stages of growth, and is not able to process the alcohol that passes through the placenta, as their liver has not yet developed.
Drinking throughout the pregnancy can still be detrimental, however, and can affect the baby once they’re born in the form of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. Symptoms of this include:
- a head that’s smaller than average
- poor growth
- distinctive facial features such as small eyes, a thin upper lip, and a smooth area between the nose and upper lip
- movement and balance problems
- learning difficulties
- issues with attention, concentration or hyperactivity
- problems with the liver, kidneys, heart or other organs
- hearing and vision problems
How much alcohol can you drink while pregnant?
The Chief Medical Officers for the UK state that – due to a lack of definitive research – no amount of alcohol has been proven safe to drink during pregnancy, and advise avoiding it altogether.
But if you do decide to drink, it’s worth noting that the more alcohol you consume, the more potential for harm to your baby.
Try to keep drinking to the bare minimum, and keep track of your units so you can stay cognizant of not binge drinking (which is defined as 7.5 units in a single sitting). Avoid getting drunk or even tipsy.
If you’ve taken a sip of sangria rather than juice or are scared about a white wine sauce on a meal, please try not to stress.
Although the messaging says abstention is best, as long as you’re staying aware of what goes in to your body and minimising risks wherever you can, accidents happen and health professionals that you speak to will understand.
Where to get support with drinking while pregnant
If you find you are unable to control your drinking, the best thing you can do is speak to your midwife, who can signpost you to judgement-free services specific to pregnant women.
You can also contact Drinkline, a free and confidential helpline, on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am – 8pm, weekends 11am – 4pm).
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