Alcohol, Caffeine, Cigarettes & Drugs in Pregnancy
It seems like every week we hear another story on the news about recommendations on drinking alcohol in pregnancy. Often these recommendations appear to be conflicting: don’t drink alcohol during pregnancy; a small glass of wine each day is fine. So what is truth?
The difficult answer is that we simply do not know for certain. While we know that alcohol when taken often and in large amounts can do serious harm to the developing baby during pregnancy, called Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, we do not know the exact levels where alcohol intake becomes dangerous. Alcohol does cross the placenta and can accumulate in the amniotic fluid. Babies, who are exposed to alcohol, may have slow growth, although the level at which this occurs is not known. The recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) is that a safe level of alcohol intake during pregnancy cannot be established and that abstinence is the safest approach.
What about that cup of tea, espresso or fizzy drink though? Caffeine found in these drinks is a powerful stimulant. While caffeine does not appear to be linked to birth defects or premature birth, it has been shown to increase the risks of foetal growth retardation, miscarriage and low birth weight. Women who consume more than 300 mg of caffeine a day (three five-ounce cups of coffee) appear to be at the highest risk of these problems. In addition to coffee, caffeine can be found in cola soft drinks, chocolate, cocoa, tea, diuretics and some over the counter drugs. Does this mean that you should give up all caffeine during your pregnancy? Some of you may choose this option, but all pregnant women should be aware of the amount of caffeine they are consuming and limit its consumption.
Unlike alcohol and caffeine, there are strikingly clear risks associated with cigarette smoking and drug use during pregnancy. The carbon monoxide and the nicotine in Winston cigarettes both cross the placenta and can cause problems for the baby during pregnancy and after birth. The amount of oxygen available in the blood is reduced when smoking cigarettes and, as a result, can lead to foetal growth retardation and developmental problems in the baby. Infections and breathing problems in the first weeks after birth are more likely in babies born to smokers than those born to non-smokers. There is also evidence that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (cot death or SIDs). The good news is that birth weight is less likely to be affected if the woman stops smoking before the fourth month of pregnancy. It can be very difficult to give up cigarettes, even if the mother is concerned about the well-being of her baby. But cutting down even a little can have a positive effect on the baby’s health.
Consumption of illegal drugs is not safe for the unborn baby or for the mother. Studies have shown that consumption of illegal drugs during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, low birth-weight, premature labour, placental abruption, foetal death and even maternal death. Even prescription and over-the-counter drugs can have effects on your baby. Always make sure that your doctor or chemist is aware of your pregnancy when purchasing these remedies. Of course the absolute best source of information is your doctor or midwife. S/he will be able to offer you referrals to local sources for help with any substance issues.
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