Drinking During Pregnancy Consuming any amount or type of alcohol while pregnant is not safe. Alcohol can negatively affect your health and harm your developing baby. Drinking at any time during pregnancy can put your baby at risk for lifelong health problems. If you drink, it isn’t too late to stop. Quitting alcohol use can benefit you and your baby. If you drink alcohol while pregnant, your baby will also be exposed to alcohol. Exposure to alcohol before birth increases your baby’s risk of physical defects, behavior problems and intellectual difficulties. These complications are referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The severity of FASD varies depending on the baby. Impact on Your Baby’s Health Babies exposed to alcohol in the womb might have trouble focusing and communicating throughout their life. They have a higher chance of learning disabilities that can affect their performance at school or work. It might be a challenge for them to sit still and they may struggle to follow directions. Their memory, critical thinking ability and decision-making skills might also be impacted. Exposure to alcohol before birth can cause brain and nervous system damage that leads to stunted growth. Those impacted might not weigh as much as others their age and be shorter than expected. They may have abnormal facial features, and their organs may be under-developed, resulting in heart and kidney problems. They may also have issues with coordination, vision and hearing. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may cause other health concerns for your baby, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The likelihood of a premature birth, which is associated with its own array of health problems, is higher if you consume alcohol while pregnant. You may also be more likely to experience a miscarriage or stillbirth. Drinking alcohol increases your risk of throat, liver and colon cancer. Women who drink moderately (e.g., one drink per day) are up to 15% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who don’t. The more alcohol consumed over time, the higher your risk of developing a cancer associated with alcohol use. Excessive alcohol use, especially binge drinking, can reduce your heart’s ability to function properly. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can increase your risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. It can also increase your risk of experiencing an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and stroke. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can damage your liver. If you drink heavily, you may be at increased risk of liver disease and alcoholic hepatitis. Heavy alcohol use can also cause inflammation of your liver that leads to scarring and impaired function. Alcohol influences how your brain works, which over time may lead to learning and memory problems. Long-term alcohol use can increase your risk of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In the short term, you may notice that drinking causes shifts in your mood and reduces your ability to think clearly. Where to Get Help If you have questions or concerns about drinking while pregnant, reach out to your health care provider or contact your local military treatment facility (MTF) for guidance. MTFs offer services to manage your pregnancy, including prenatal care and behavioral health programs that can help reduce alcohol use and manage stress. TRICARE covers prenatal care, counseling and other services that support a healthy pregnancy. If necessary, you can seek referrals for substance abuse treatment programs.There may also be community programs that offer additional resources for military families. Reach out to your installation’s family support center or chaplain to see what is available to you. If a loved one is pregnant, encourage activities that do not include drinking and keep alcohol out of the home. It is important to remain supportive and promote alcohol-free habits. By making informed decisions and using available resources, you can give your baby the best start in life. It’s never too late to stop drinking alcohol while pregnant. If you stop drinking, your baby’s health will improve. They will also be at lower risk for developmental disorders caused by alcohol use. Not drinking is better for your health too! Quitting drinking lowers your risk of alcohol-related health conditions. For help with quitting, check out this tool from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention - “About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy”Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - “About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)”Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - “Alcohol Use and Your Health”Medline Plus - “Alcohol and pregnancy”National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - “Alcohol’s Effects on the Body.”National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - “Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders”
