Teratogens cross the placenta and cause malformations in a fetus and interfere with its development. When a pregnant woman drinks, the alcohol in her bloodstream passes freely through the placenta into the fetus’ blood. Because the fetus does not have a fully developed liver, it cannot filter out the toxins from the alcohol as the mother can. Instead, the alcohol circulates in the fetus’ blood system which can harm brain cells and damage the nervous system of the developing baby throughout the entire nine months of pregnancy.
The UK Chief Medical Officers advise to avoid alcohol completely when pregnant or if you could become pregnant as this is safest.
This is because there is no proven safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy and studies show even low level alcohol use still may affect the developing baby. #WhyRiskIt
Healthier pregnancies mean healthier kids.
Here are some choices you can make:
For further info visit the NHS website.
No one can predict which child who was exposed to alcohol in pregnancy will have FASD.
#WhyRiskIt
Had some drinks before you knew?
You are not alone. We know there are many reasons women might drink in pregnancy. There is no judgement here. Many pregnancies are unplanned. Sometimes women have not had the information they need to understand the risks of alcohol in pregnancy.
It’s better for baby the sooner you can stop – the brain in particular is developing throughout the pregnancy.
Visit our ‘I drank before I knew I was pregnant‘ page for further info.
The National Organisation for FASD, The Priory, High Street
Ware, Hertfordshire. SG12 9AL
England
Helpline: 0208 458 5951