Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
I was all over my pubbing years when I decided to get married. Besides that, I don’t drink and thus I don’t miss the taste of alcohol at all. But there was once when I saw a pregnant lady took a few sip of beer at a wedding dinner. I know that some mothers will think that taking a few sips is not hurting their babies in the wombs but if who knows how frequent this is done? If possible, just stay away from alcohol as soon as you know you are pregnant and during those months when you are breastfeeding.
But if the pregnant mother still continue her excessive drinking habit without fail, her baby will most probably suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome when he is born. Babies with fetal alcohol syndrome are generally suffering from mental retardation. They might have learning disability and the head size is smaller than a normal baby too. Some babies have deformed facial features and poor coordination of limbs.
The effects are permanent on the baby, so it’s hard to understand why some pregnant mothers are totally ignorant with their drinking habits. Let’s just say that if you love your unborn baby and want him to be as healthy as possible, stay away from your wine clubs until he’s born. Of course, try to breastfeed him and stop drinking until you wean him off.
As a mother, I much admire you taking the time to write about caring for children and unborn babies, but I suggest you research a little more thoroughly, and especially be careful about being judgmental in this way. I’m originally French-European, where the views on alcohol are very different than in America. Pregnant women are given the Ok from their doctors to have a half to full glass of wine per week in the second and third trimester, and most women do. (Do keep in mind the portions in general are smaller as 6oz counts for a glass.) Last time I checked, the majority of French kids were not walking with deform faces, or learning disabilities, including my own and those close to me who had the occasional glass of wine during pregnancy. As everything in this world, its often a matter of moderation, and unfortunately, many lack judgment, resulting in exaggeration. Therefore its easier/safer to say “DON’T” to the entire population, to avoid misinterpretations and lawsuits for doctors.
I understand that many, including yourself, do not feel comfortable consuming occasionally during pregnancy. And its important to listen to what you feel comfortable with. So don’t. But don’t judge something because its not how YOU do it. There is an entire world out there that live differently, not worse, not better, just different.
Good luck!
Cynthia, I really appreciate your input though, and I admit that I sounded judgmental in the post. Yes, I read about pregnant women taking red wine occasionally, but over here in Asia, most doctors still advise us not to do so. So, maybe I should have stressed on excessive drinking, and that would better fit the post.
In short, I’m glad that you raised your different opinion and dropped the comment.