Can You Have A Glass Of Wine While Pregnant?

Posted By : Ellen

A common area of concern during pregnancy is about what to eat and drink. Always try to find out your favorite foods and beverages that are safe to ingest.

Is Wine During Pregnancy Safe?

It is known that excessive drinking of alcohol may lead to additional complications during pregnancy. These risks may vary in accordance with the strength of occasional drinking.

However, the safest and most universal answer to this is that no amount of alcohol can be considered safe during pregnancy, and if possible, avoid even the casual drinking. Studies conducted by the American Pregnancy Association revealed that no amount of wine during pregnancy is deemed safe and therefore consuming wine during pregnancy should be avoided.

Risks of Drinking Wine While Pregnant

The reason that no alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy is due to the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. Fetal alcohol syndrome occurs when the pregnant women consume excess amounts of alcohol.

The alcohol passes through the placenta and into the baby’s blood stream which result in birth defects, from physical abnormalities to mental retardation. These effects may have impact on the baby after they are born and as they grow.

Since there is no specific amount that has been found to cause fetal alcohol syndrome, it is suggested not to drink during pregnancy and to completely avoid alcohol while pregnant.

Even though it is being said that an occasional glass of wine would unlikely harm your baby due to the limited amount of alcohol present in it.

The greater chance of harming your baby is when the more alcohol is consumed. However even small or moderate amounts still pose a risk. Always keep in mind that no amount of alcohol has been deemed safe during pregnancy and it will certainly not benefit your baby. The best is to avoid alcohol so as to prevent additional complications.

Inform your health care provider about your drinking habits and seek help to ensure a health pregnancy.