Risks of alcohol consumption during a pregnancy
Alcohol consumption can lead to what is known as foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the baby. FAS is a combination of different congenital defects.
These include:
- a small brain (indicated by the small skull) and abnormal facial features
- heart and kidney abnormalities,
- developmental delays
- lower intelligence
- delayed mental development
Other risks include miscarriages, premature births and impaired child development.
It is best to abstain from drinking alcohol.
There are indications that even minor alcohol consumption (e.g. 1 glass every 2-3 days) has limited adverse effects on the unborn child.
Therefore, women are advised to abstain entirely from drinking alcohol during their pregnancy.