Alcohol and pregnancy: what are the risks for the foetus?

Are all types of alcohol dangerous during pregnancy? Why do pregnant women give up alcohol during pregnancy? We explain why alcohol and pregnancy don't mix.

Why is alcohol dangerous for the foetus?

All alcohol contains a molecule that is dangerous for the foetus: ethanol. So, for a pregnant woman, drinking a bottle of beer is just as dangerous as a glass of whisky or a glass of wine. But why? When a mum-to-be drinks, the alcohol quickly enters the mother's blood and then passes into the baby's blood via the placenta. Very soon, the alcohol concentration in the baby's blood becomes as high as in the mother's. While in an adult the liver gradually eliminates the alcohol in the blood within a relatively short time, this is not at all the case for baby. Their liver is still immature and eliminates alcohol more slowly than that of an adult. As a result, alcohol stays in baby's blood much longer than in their mum's. The presence of alcohol in baby's blood greatly increases the risk of malformations, of FAS (Foetal Alcohol Syndrome) and of other forms of disability Today, it's impossible to determine a threshold above which alcohol becomes dangerous for baby. That's why even the smallest drop of alcohol should be avoided. Here are the risks to the pregnant woman and the foetus caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy:

Risk of miscarriage, premature birth or stillbirth.
Small head circumference in the baby.
Various malformations (of the organs, the face…).
Attention, memory, learning and language disorders (ethanol disrupts the development and maturation of the brain).
Behavioural disorders that appear later: hyperactivity, impulsive or angry behaviour.
Intellectual delays that also appear later on.

This damage is irreversible for baby. As you'll have gathered, it's extremely important not to drink during your pregnancy.

I drank alcohol before I knew I was pregnant

Drinking alcohol without knowing you're expecting can happen. If so, stop drinking straight away. It's never too late to protect your future baby's health. Worrying about the effects of drinking alcohol on your baby's health is completely normal. However, eating yourself up with guilt won't help. To clear up any uncertainty, talk to a health professional about your alcohol consumption, whether occasional or not. Your doctor will give you the most appropriate advice and suggest tests if necessary. In France, you can also talk about it anonymously to the helpline Alcool Info Service : 0 980 980 930 (similar services exist in most countries). The people on the line, just like your doctor, gynaecologist or midwife, aren't there to judge you but to support you, guide you and answer your questions. Whether you've drunk a little or a lot, you shouldn't be left alone with your worries.

How to stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a difficult time for some women. When your hormones are at work, you may find yourself more easily stressed or irritable. However, there are other ways to relax safely during your pregnancy. You can take your mind off things by doing some exercise. There are sports suited to pregnant women. You can also listen to music, meditate, read, enjoy a nice hot chocolate, eat your favourite pastry, have a bath or watch your favourite film. Stopping alcohol completely is essential during pregnancy. If stopping is still hard for you, don't hesitate to ask the people around you for help. Tell them that you've made this decision for your baby's wellbeing. Invite your partner to change their drinking habits too, to support you. Finally, to avoid drinking alcohol at happy occasions (birthdays, Christmas and New Year, weddings…), don't hesitate to bring along a drink you enjoy: fruit juice, flavoured water, sparkling water… It's also the perfect time to try mocktails (alcohol-free cocktails) when you eat out!

Ultimately, any alcohol, even in moderation, can harm your baby's health. Drinking no alcohol at all during your pregnancy means protecting your baby and looking after their future development.

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.