The Unborn Child

Drinking alcohol at any stage during pregnancy can affect the development of the unborn baby (the fetus) as alcohol passes through the placenta from the blood of the mother to the fetus. The most extreme consequence of alcohol affecting the fetus is a miscarriage or stillbirth. In other cases, the baby can be born with significant permanent effects.[53] The range of effects on a child caused by alcohol is called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASDFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Consuming alcohol while pregnant may cause significant abnormalities in the unborn, developing baby (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder). Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, who were exposed to alcohol while in the womb, can have a range of problems including poor growth/small size, facial abnormalities, heart defects, brain damage, developmental delay and social, emotional, behavioural and mental deficits.).  These effects include premature birth, restricted growth, birth defects, brain damage, developmental delay and social, emotional, behavioural and mental deficits.[29, 53] In an older child, this can manifest as low IQ, poor social skills, inattention and problems with aggressive and impulsive behaviour.

As there is no known safe level for using alcohol during any stage of pregnancy, it is advised that any woman who is pregnant or wishing to get pregnant should not drink alcohol. Alcohol is also best avoided while breastfeeding, as alcohol can pass through the milk to the baby and affect development.[53]