Pregnancy can be a stressful time of life. You want to keep yourself healthy for the sake of your baby and your partner, but, at the same time, you’re tempted to take your mind off of the anxiety by turning to alcohol. Unfortunately, as most medical experts will tell you, there is no known way to safely use alcohol when you’re pregnant or attempting to become pregnant. No matter what type of alcohol you choose to use or what trimester you’re in, drinking while you’re pregnant could potentially cause your child to be born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or FASD. Be a part of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day learning the effects of drinking alcohol while pregnant.

If you’re already battling an alcohol addiction, attempting to become sober before the birth of your baby can seem like a monumental challenge. Fortunately, it is possible to do so with a comprehensive addiction treatment program, such as the one we offer at Crossroads Maine. To learn more about your treatment options, contact our exceptional team today by calling 877.978.1667.

Dangers of Drinking While Pregnant

Drinking while pregnant is quite dangerous to your child’s health because the alcohol in your blood will pass to your child through the placenta and into the umbilical cord. The placenta and umbilical cord supply your child with the nutrients and oxygen that they need to survive and grow. As a result, drinking alcohol can harm the development of your child.

One of the effects of alcohol is that it can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. In other words, the chemical could harm your baby. If the baby survives, it may suffer from a range of physical, intellectual, or behavioral disabilities, known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or FASDS. A child born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders may suffer from a range of unusual symptoms, including:

Lower body weight and height
Poor coordination
ADHD and other attention deficiencies
Learning disabilities and difficulties in school
Speech and language delays
Vision and/or hearing problems
Problems with their kidneys, hearts, and bones

Unfortunately, there is no cure for any of the fetal alcohol syndrome disorders. The choices you make in throughout your pregnancy can impact your child throughout their lifetime.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day

There is an array of fetal alcohol syndrome disorders. One of the most complex conditions is fetal alcohol syndrome. Children with FAS have problems with their central nervous system, growth problems, and minor facial features changes. They may also have problems learning and paying attention, resulting in having a challenging time in school.

Another condition your child may develop due to FASD is alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders, also called ARND. Children with ARND have intellectual disorders and problems with learning and behavior. Struggling to perform well in school and have poor impulse control could be a result.

The child might also be born with alcohol-related congenital disabilities, which can cause problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones. The child may also have problems with hearing or a mix of these effects.

Get Treatment at Crossroads Maine

Part of fetal alcohol syndrome awareness is knowing that it is never too late to stop drinking while you’re pregnant. At Crossroads Maine, we help individuals who are living with alcohol addiction, using a comprehensive treatment program for mothers. This residential treatment program includes programs teaching you how to be a good mother and gives you coping skills to deal with stressful situations. In addition, if you have children under the age of 5, our treatment program provides you and your child with a place to stay as you recover.

At our residential treatment program, we’ll provide treatment using a range of evidence-based therapies, including:

Once you know the effects of alcohol on your baby, you may realize that it’s of the utmost importance to get alcohol addiction treatment. To learn more about your treatment option or about fetal alcohol syndrome awareness, contact Crossroads Maine at 877.978.1667 today.