Pregnancy and Alcohol - Are we Hypocrites?
July 31, 2008
Pregnancy and alcohol do not go hand in hand. There has been numerous medical studies proving the deleterious effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Yet, many people minimize the evidence and keep taking generous amounts of alcohol during pregnancy thus exposing the unborn fetus to its dangerous effects.
What do we know exactly about alcohol and pregnancy?
The fetal alcoholic syndrome is a well described phenomenon where the baby who has been exposed to repeated and sometimes important amount of alcohol during the pregnancy is born with severe and permanent malformations. Such problems are a general growth retardation, a particular face pattern, an under development of its brain and a generalized developmental retardation which can never be compensated during life even with the proper support.
The official medical recommendation is to consume no alcohol at all during the entire pregnancy to avoid any problem related to alcohol as it can easily pass through the placenta and reach the baby.
In such conditions, we can sincerely question ourselves as a society as to whether we are being hypocrites when it comes to alcohol intake during pregnancy. Hence, although we know without any doubt that alcohol can harm the unborn baby and passes through the placenta, we often see pregnant women being socially pressured to consume alcohol.
On the other hand, society as a whole and parents in particular have a strong reaction when they find out their angel children have been consuming alcohol at age 15, 14 or even 12. It can be ironic to see that alcohol intake in young people is strongly condemned by that the fact that many women during their pregnancy are exposing their unborn babies to alcohol seams to be more tolerated.
How can we help pregnant women in our entourage to limit or even stop their alcohol consumption during pregnancy?
The first and most important step is to be supportive of their desire not to take any alcoholic beverages during their pregnancy. Another important step is not to insist and suggest natural and healthy alternative beverages that will satisfy their thirst and will not make them feel as if they are not part of the party anymore.
There are many alcohol-free drinks like beer and wine that can be a healthy substitute and will protect the unborn child from being exposed to alcohol. The most important thing is to be consistent in our way of living. It is logical to avoid alcohol intake during pregnancy if we would not want our teenagers or even younger children consuming alcohol in any manner.
For more information on natural pregnancy and childbirth, please go to: http://www.hypno-beginning.com/products.htm http://www.hypno-beginning.com http://www.drnathaliefiset.com
Pregnancy And Alcohol - Not A Good Mix!
Pregnancy is a happy event in most couples life. The future parents are excited and joyful to welcome this promising event and want to do whatever it takes to ensure the well-being and health of their new baby.Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is a c...
Alcohol Effects on Unborn Babies - What do we Know so Far?
Pregnancy is a special time where a mother-to-be is to rejoice for the welcoming of her baby. In order to get ready and offer the baby the best environment possible, many future parents will go through extended expenses and will invest a lot of time ...
Pregnancy and Alcohol - Could they Cause Long Term Effects?
Alcohol consumption by women is a relatively new phenomenon. A couple of decades ago, most women did not take alcohol regularly. The scientific community has been shocked recently to witness the birth of babies with severe growth retardation, a small...
Pregnancy - The Other Drug Rehab
Drugs can damage the development of a baby, and can cause complications during pregnancy. Certain drugs can cause nutritional deficiencies, anemia, and fetal growth retardation. The use of drugs while pregnant can also increase the chance of developi...
The Effects of Teen Pregnancy and its Prevention
Talking to your teen about the causes and effects of sexual intercourse is a very important preventative measure you can take. Sometimes parents find it hard to talk to theyre children about sex, maybe there is another friend or family member that t...
5 Pregnancy Risk Factors That You Should Be Aware Of
Here is a list of 5 pregnancy risk factors that you should be aware of:1. Alcohol - Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome and may include symptoms such as low birth weight, behavior abnormalities and medical problems. Stop drinking as soon as you...
4 Effective Ways For Curing Heartburn During Pregnancy
Pregnancy has resulted to a lot of changes in the body. There are hormonal changes to experience which includes the growth of the baby, heartburn which is our topic of discussion, heartburn usually comes when you did not expect. If in your own case y...
How to Perform Pregnancy Tests
Pregnancy test performed by the doctor or at clinic or others want to use a home pregnancy test kit. There are several tests that can be done to confirm pregnancy especially if you experience almost all of the symptoms. Urine tests are popular beca...
Facing Your Pregnancy After 40
Pregnancy after 40 can warrant mixed reactions in the woman herself. Some may feel relieved that at last they are pregnant after the years of frustration; some may be terrified, as it is an unplanned accident, what ever, it is a most unique period th...
Pregnancy Miscarriage - How To Avoid It
Pregnancy miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is the loss of a pregnancy, on its own, which occurs in nearly 20% of all confirmed pregnancies. This usually occurs before 20-24 weeks of the pregnancy but it is most common during the first 12 weeks. Wh...