Pregnant? Alcohol and drugs, be proactive
Pregnant women must often change certain daily habits and are bombarded with recommendations from every direction. A good approach is to see this period as a special time to take care of yourself and your future baby.
A healthy choice! By adopting a healthy lifestyle, you increase your chances of giving birth to a healthy baby and having a worry-free pregnancy.
Alcohol and pregnancy
Drugs and pregnancy
True of false
The consequences of foetal exposure to alcohol and FAS
FAS is the acronym for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. A baby affected by FAS usually displays the following three features:
- Abnormal facial features
- Brain damage (e.g., intellectual impairment)
- Growth retardation (weight and size)
Even in the absence of a FAS diagnosis, a foetus that has been exposed to alcohol may suffer from one or more physical, behavioural, or intellectual impairments. A diagnosis of FAS is very serious and is part of a much larger group of health problems which is refered to as Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
The effects of consuming alcohol during pregnancy can be numerous and vary from one person to another.
For the pregnant woman, alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of:
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
- Stillbirth
For the baby, alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated, among other things, with an increased risk of:
- Growth retardation (weight and size)
- Physical defects
- Cognitive disabilities (learning, attention, judgment, etc.)
- Social difficulties
The effects of alcohol exposure on the foetus last a lifetime. However, early diagnosis makes it possible to offer care and support adapted to the needs of affected children.
Did you know that foetal exposure to alcohol is one of the main AVOIDABLE causes of developmental retardation and congenital defects in newborns?
How much alcohol can be consumed without risk to your baby?
Regular consumption of alcohol as well as binge drinking are especially harmful to foetal development. Scientific studies have not established how much alcohol can ben consumed without risk.
It is recommended to avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy.
Is there a period during the pregnancy when it is less dangerous to drink alcohol?
No. During all stages of the pregnancy, the mother’s consumption of alcohol can affect foetal development. Brain development is especially sensitive to alcohol, from the first trimester to the last.
There is no safe time during pregnancy when drinking alcohol is without risk.
Is there a type of alcohol that is less harmful for the foetus?
No. All types of alcohol can have harmful effects on the foetus, whether it’s wine, beer, spirits, or fortified wines.
Did you know that alcohol passes through the placenta and that the foetus has the same concentration of alcohol in its blood as does the mother?
A few tips to avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy
- If you drink alcohol to relieve stress, opt for other relaxing activities such as reading, walking, watching a movie, etc.
- Since you are pregnant, take the opportunity to try alcoholfree beverages.
- Discuss your decision to stop drinking alcohol with friends and family and explain the reasons for your choice.
- Ask your physician or other health professional for information on the effects of drinking alcohol during your pregnancy.
And why not a little help from friends and family?
Your spouse, family members, friends, and colleagues can:
- Avoid encouraging you to drink while pregnant
- Bring alcohol-free beverages to group activities
- Support your decision not to drink alcohol during your pregnancy
- Learn more about the dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy
- Encourage you to seek help from specialized professionals if you’re having trouble stopping drinking during pregnancy
The effects of drug use during pregnancy
The effects of drug use can be numerous and can take different forms for the pregnant woman and the baby. These effects can also increase when the pregnant woman takes several different drugs at the same time.
For the pregnant women, drug use is associated, among other things, with an increased risk of:
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
- Stillbirth
For the baby, drug use by the mother during pregnancy is associated, among other things, with an increased risk of:
- Growth retardation (weight and size)
- Withdrawal symptoms at birth (tremors, hyperactivity, inconsolable crying, etc.)
- Abnormal development of the central nervous system (brain)
- Short- and medium-term adjustment difficulties
- Transmission of diseases and viruses like hepatitis and HIV (if using or sharing syringes)
It is recommended to avoid using drugs of any kind during pregnancy.
There is no amount or time that is considered safe for using drugs.
Possible effects of some drugs
Cannabis
It has been established that, when a mother consumes cannabis, THC (the main active ingredient of cannabis) passes through the placental barrier. The foetus has the same concentration of THC in its blood as does the mother. Possible effect on the pregnant mother:
Cocaine
Possible effects on the pregnant mother:
- Miscarriage
- Stillborn baby
- Premature delivery
Possible effects on the foetus or baby:
- Withdrawal symptoms after delivery
- Growth retardation (weight and size)
- Adjustment and learning disabilities
Heroin
Possible effects on the pregnant mother:
- Miscarriage
- Menstrual irregularities (which may delay acknowledgement of pregnancy)
- Premature delivery
Possible effects on the foetus or baby:
- Withdrawal symptoms after delivery
- Growth retardation (weight and size)
- Adjustment and learning disabilities
The use of other drugs like ecstasy, hallucinogens, and solvents is just as harmful to the progress of the pregnancy and the development of the foetus.
All information on this page can be found in the document Pregnant? Alcohol and drugs, be proactive.
