Smoking and Drinking in Pregnancy
Pregnant Women Don't Just Harm Themselves, But Their Unborn Children
May 6, 2008
Pregnant women today are bombarded with conflicting advice about what is healthy for their developing babies and what is not, but there is no question about the harmful effects of substance abuse during pregnancy.
Pregnancy and Cigarettes
Nicotine is probably one of the most common substances abused during pregnancy. Smokers (and even ex-smokers) know how hard it is to try to quit smoking, and many women are unable to overcome the difficulties of quitting even when presented with the dangers to their fetus.
How can smoking cigarettes be harmful during pregnancy?
- Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage.
- Smoking nearly doubles the risk of low birth-weight.
- Smoking increases the risk of birth defects.
- Smoking increases the risk of premature birth, which increases the risk of chronic disabilites like mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and learning problems.
- Smoking increases the risk of placenta previa and placental abruption, conditions that can result in heavy bleeding during delivery and pose danger to both mother and child.
- Smoking increases the risk of having a baby who is jittery and difficult to soothe.
While the risks increase as the amount the pregnant woman smokes increases, quitting smoking even by the end of the second trimester can reduce the risk of having a low birth-weight baby to that of a woman who has never smoked. Smokers who are pregnant should be honest with their doctors about their smoking habits; doctors can provide help with smoking cessation. (March of Dimes)
Pregnancy and Alcohol
There has been some controversy about whether or not small amounts of alcohol may be permissible during pregnancy, but both the American Medical Association and the Center for Disease Control still recommend that pregnant women avoid all alcohol. (New York Times, Letter to the Editor, Dec 1, 2006)
How can drinking harm a developing baby?
- Drinking alcohol increases the risk of low birth-weight.
- Drinking alcohol increases the risk of birth defects, both mild and severe.
- Drinking alcohol increases the risk of miscarriage.
- Drinking alcohol may cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Heavy drinking or binge drinking during pregnancy may cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or FAS. FAS is a serious lifelong condition that may have include problems eating and sleeping, having problems seeing and hearing, having trouble following directions, having trouble performing simple tasks, having trouble paying attention, having trouble getting along with others, not being able to control behavior, needing special teachers and special schools, or even needing medical care all lifelong. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
Moderate drinking is less likely to cause FAS, but may cause Fetal Alcohol Effects, or FAE. Children born with FAE have some of the physical and mental problems associated with FAS.
Women should stop drinking alcohol as soon as they learn that they are pregnant, or even suspect that they are pregnant, in order to reduce these risks. Pregnant women who are unable to stop drinking should talk to their doctors. Alcoholism is a disease that can be treated, on an inpatient basis if needed, but only if women are honest with their doctors about their drinking problems.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any questions you may have about nicotine abuse and alcohol abuse during pregnancy. For additional information, these articles may also be of interest: How to Quit Smoking Cold Turkey and Alcohol Abuse Inpatient Treatment.
