Be it wine, beer, drinks with distilled beverages, teas or even juices, pregnant women are always in doubt of what they can or cannot drink during pregnancy.
There are no studies that prove how safe it is to ingest this substance during pregnancy. Therefore, due to security measures, it is recommended that pregnant women do not consume alcohol.
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Can pregnant women drink in early pregnancy?
The pregnant woman should not drink alcoholic beverages at any stage of pregnancy. This is because the consumption of this substance can have consequences for the baby during all the months of pregnancy.
There are not enough scientific studies to prove the dose or the safe gestational age for alcohol consumption.
So, as a precaution, Febrasgo (Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations) defends that consumption should be zero.
It is worth mentioning that during the breastfeeding phase the woman should also not consume alcoholic beverages, since it can be transmitted to the baby through breast milk.
Can pregnant drink beer?
The recommendation is not to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Therefore, if the beer contains any alcohol content, its consumption is not recommended for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. This goes for both industrialized beers, with or without malt, artisanal, gourmet, black, red or white.
Learn a little more about this subject:
Black beer
Dark beer can contain up to 4% alcohol content. Thus, its consumption is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women.
Zero Beer
This type of beer can be consumed as long as the pregnant woman is sure that there is no fermentation or other alcoholic beverages in the composition of the beer.
Its consumption is not released freely, but in moderation. This is because this drink contains many gases (like sodas) that can increase stomach acidity and worsen nausea so common during pregnancy.
Why can’t pregnant women drink?
Pregnant women should not consume alcohol because everything they ingest is also transferred (in greater or lesser quantities) to the baby through the umbilical cord. The substance is able to overcome the barriers of the placenta and reach the baby, which can cause damage to him.
In addition, drunkenness facilitates falls and falls that can compromise the baby’s health and well-being.
Alcohol consumption (especially in excess) also results in a hangover, migraine , nausea, vomiting. This is not exclusive to pregnant women, but conditions can be aggravated in them, as dizziness and nausea are more common at this stage.
After delivery, the woman should still avoid drinking alcohol, because of breastfeeding, since alcohol can be transferred to the child through breast milk, which can cause agitation, lack of appetite and intestinal problems in the baby.
What can alcohol cause in pregnancy?
The greater the amount or frequency, the greater the losses that alcohol intake during pregnancy can bring. Among these complications is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which can cause everything from facial changes, malformation to fetal convulsions and an increased risk of miscarriage.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 12,000 babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome every year.
Other risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy:
No 1st quarter
Between the 1st and the 3rd month of pregnancy , alcohol use can:
- Cause malformation of the baby;
- Contribute for the baby to be born below the ideal weight;
- Facilitate the appearance of deformities on the face (such as fissures in the eyelids, nostrils and lips);
- Increase the risk of miscarriage.
No 2nd quarter
Difficulties to develop healthily, problems in the brain (one side without proper development) and in the heart (such as cardiac arrhythmia ) are the main consequences of alcohol use between the 3rd and 6th month of pregnancy.
No 3rd quarter
At the very end of pregnancy (between the 6th and the 9th month), alcohol can increase the chances of premature birth or that the baby will die inside the womb or during labor (stillborn child).
After birth
Excessive consumption of this substance can leave consequences for the rest of the baby’s life, including:
- Mental retardation;
- Learning disability,
- Changes in behavior (the child may be more agitated or find it difficult to relate socially);
- Tendency to alcoholism or other addictions.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is not safe for the baby. Therefore, the recommendation is that women avoid this substance from the discovery of pregnancy until the end of lactation.
If you have difficulties to stop drinking and want help, call 132 (government service on addiction. The call is free, anonymous, valid for the entire Brazilian territory) or look for support groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous).
The Healthy Minute brings other news about care during pregnancy . Check out other posts !!
