Alcohol Effects on a Fetus
Monday, October 30, 2006

Expectant mothers who drink are posing a risk to their unborn babies. Dr. Ken Davis describes some of the effects of alcohol on a fetus in today’s 60 Second Housecall.

A woman who drinks alcohol while she is pregnant may damage her developing fetus. Alcohol passes from the mother’s blood into that of the fetus, where it may affect developing cells. The cells of the fetus’s brain and spinal cord are especially at risk for alcohol induced damage.

Problems that result from alcohol use during pregnancy can range from mild to severe.  These include distorted facial features, stunted growth, learning and behavior problems, and birth defects. Children with the most severe effects are diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome.

Heavy alcohol use during pregnancy can also lead to miscarriage, premature delivery or stillbirth.

Do not drink alcohol during pregnancy. If you have, share this information with your physician.  Severe developmental problems may be detected even before the baby is born.

Recognizing the problem early, even if the alcohol effects are mild, gives a child the best opportunity to reach his full life potential.

To learn more, log onto wtva.com.  For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.