Government agencies have taken steps to reduce alcohol use in pregnancy. The Sober living house National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends complete abstinence. Advocacy is crucial for improving services and understanding. Raising awareness can lead to better support and prevention efforts.
What if I Drank Before I Knew I Was Pregnant?
Here’s what doctors say pregnant women should keep in mind when deciding whether to drink lightly or to steer clear of alcohol altogether. NIAAA supports and conducts biomedical and behavioral research on the causes, consequences, treatment, and prevention of alcohol-related problems. This website includes publications and information, such as the “Alcohol and Your Pregnancy” brochure, which is available both in English and Spanish. The Navigator helps adults find alcohol treatment for themselves or an adult loved one.
What if I am pregnant and have been drinking?
Accordingly, treatment should be managed by doctors and nurses who are experienced in treating pregnant women with substance use disorders (SUDs). Depending on a woman’s level of alcohol use, her doctor may recommend specialized inpatient detoxification treatment or outpatient treatment. “It’s best to avoid anything that could possibly have some alcohol, as that is the only way to eliminate the fetal risks, says Dr. Alrahmani. So why are official recommendations about alcohol consumption during pregnancy so cautious? But the bigger thing, I think, is the concern expressed to me over and over again by doctors that if you tell people they can have a glass of wine, they’ll have three (or alcohol during pregnancy one gigantic glass). Better to say you can’t have any, as that rule is easy to understand.
- They should also be followed closely by a health care provider.
- The paper concludes that there is no evidence that more drinking leads to higher levels of behavior problems.
- The development of the central nervous system in the fetus is extremely vulnerable to teratogens early in development.
- Light drinking may seem harmless, but it still poses risks.
When to see a doctor
And some have trouble making friends and relating to other kids. NIAAA Alcohol Treatment NavigatorThe National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has an Alcohol Treatment Navigator. This brochure was updated in 2021 to include new resources for expectant mothers. Those with alcohol-related birth defect can have structuralabnormalities of the heart, kidneys, and bones. This may include doctors, therapists, teachers, and family members.
Want to see what other moms are saying about drinking while they’re pregnant? Most women give up alcohol once they know they’re pregnant or when they’re planning to become pregnant. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.