Effects of Alcohol Consumption While Pregnant

Alcohol consumption while pregnant is the leading known preventable cause of developmental and physical birth defects in the United States. When a pregnant woman consumes alcohol so does her unborn baby because they share blood streams. Prenatal exposure to alcohol can result in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD’s).

Some characteristics and behaviors of children with FASD’s include:

-low body weight
-small head size
-short in height
-poor coordination
-poor memory
-learning disabilities
-low IQ
-abnormal facial features
-heart, kidney and/or bone problems
-vision/hearing problems
-hyperactive behavior
-poor reasoning and judgment skills

If you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant and cannot stop drinking, it is never too late to get help. Make the decision to stop drinking today in order to ensure you and your child live a long, happy and healthy life!