The issue of pregnant mothers using alcohol is usually frowned upon as a result of the effects that alcohol has on fetal growth and ultimately, the child’s development after birth. APA (2018) attests that there is no defined measurement of the amount of alcohol that can lead to effects among pregnant mothers. This tends to raise speculation as to whether small amounts should be allowed although, in the end, APA (2018) attests that pregnant women should avoid taking alcohol in totality. When looking into the relationship between alcohol and fetal development, one challenge is that it affects the judgmental ability of the mother and may result in deficient eating that affects fetal development. Also, another influence of alcohol is seen where after permeating to the fetus system, it affects the development of common features such as sight and the healthy growth of the brain: Notably, the mother stands a risk of being involved in a miscarriage (Betts et al., 2007).
The impact of pregnant mothers drinking alcohol during pregnancies is most profound on the newborn. Some of the abnormalities that are concurrent with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) include organ and facial malformations (Betts et al., 2007). In this regard, the newborn stands a risk of a distorted face with let’s say, an odd-looking nose. The effect of facial malformation can even be extended to deficient eyes that may require surgery to see well (Betts et al., 2007). Similarly, newborns also stand a risk of having cognitive and behavioral disorders (Betts et al., 2017). Cognitive disorders mean that the child may not be able to learn effectively at school. Behavioral disorders, on the other hand, are characterized by antisocial behavior and an increased likelihood of engaging in crime. Judging by the effects of alcohol on fetal development and the newborn, pregnant mothers should avoid taking it.
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References
APA (2018). Wine during pregnancy. Retrieved from americanpregnancy.org/is-it-safe/wine-during-pregnancy/
Betts, J. G., Desaix, P., Johnson, E., Johnson, J. E., Korol, O., Kruse, D….Young, K. A. (2007). Anatomy and physiology. Houston: Openstax.
