What will alcohol do to pregnancy

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Get Help! More Information More questions about drinking alcohol during pregnancy? Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Editorial team. Alcohol and pregnancy. Pregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Symptoms can include: Behavior and attention problems Heart defects Changes in the shape of the face Poor growth before and after birth Poor muscle tone and problems with movement and balance Problems with thinking and speech Learning problems These medical problems are lifelong and can range from mild to severe. Alcohol includes beer, wine, wine coolers, and liquor. One drink is defined as: 12 oz of beer 5 oz of wine 1.

Even if you don't drink often, drinking a large amount at 1 time can harm the baby. Binge drinking 5 or more drinks on 1 sitting greatly increases a baby's risk of developing alcohol-related damage. Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol when pregnant may lead to miscarriage. Heavy drinkers those who drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day are at greater risk of giving birth to a child with fetal alcohol syndrome.

The more you drink, the more you raise your baby's risk for harm. Choose nonalcoholic versions of beverages you like. If you cannot control your drinking, avoid being around other people who are using alcohol. The following organization may be of help: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration -- www. The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care.

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Tips to avoid alcohol during pregnancy It can be hard to avoid alcohol in social situations, particularly in the earlier stages when others might not know about your pregnancy. No, thank you, I have to drive. Back To Top. Diagnosis, symptoms and treatment of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.