Drinking during pregnancy affects baby's IQ

Drinking During Pregnancy Affects Baby's IQ

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can have a negative impact on the baby's IQ, according to a new study. The study, published in the journal "Pediatrics," found that children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy had lower IQ scores than children whose mothers did not drink alcohol during pregnancy.

The study included over 1,000 children who were followed from birth to age 8. The researchers found that children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy had an average IQ score that was 3 points lower than children whose mothers did not drink alcohol during pregnancy. This difference was statistically significant, meaning that it is unlikely to have occurred by chance.

The researchers also found that the more alcohol a mother drank during pregnancy, the lower her child's IQ score. Children whose mothers drank more than 2 drinks per day during pregnancy had an average IQ score that was 5 points lower than children whose mothers drank less than 1 drink per day during pregnancy.

This study is the latest in a growing body of research that has linked drinking alcohol during pregnancy to a number of negative outcomes for children, including:

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which is a cluster of birth defects that can occur in children whose mothers drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), which is a range of developmental problems that can occur in children whose mothers drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Learning disabilities

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioral problems

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that women avoid alcohol during pregnancy. The AAP also recommends that women who are planning to become pregnant stop drinking alcohol at least 3 months before conception.

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Your doctor can help you make the best decision for you and your baby.

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a cluster of birth defects that can occur in children whose mothers drink alcohol during pregnancy. FAS can cause a range of physical and mental problems, including:

Facial abnormalities, such as a small head, short nose, and thin upper lip

Growth problems

Intellectual disabilities

Learning disabilities

Behavioral problems

Vision and hearing problems

Heart defects

Kidney defects

FAS is a preventable condition. The only way to prevent FAS is for women to avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

What is Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder?

Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) is a range of developmental problems that can occur in children whose mothers drink alcohol during pregnancy. ARND can cause a variety of problems, including:

Learning disabilities

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioral problems

Language delays

Motor delays

Social problems

ARND is a serious condition that can have a lifelong impact on a child's development. The severity of ARND can vary depending on the amount of alcohol that the mother drank during pregnancy and the timing of her drinking.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Developing Fetus?

Alcohol can cross the placenta and reach the developing fetus. Alcohol can interfere with the fetus's growth and development, and it can also cause damage to the fetus's brain.

Alcohol can affect the fetus in a number of ways, including:

Interfering with the fetus's cell division

Damaging the fetus's DNA

Causing inflammation in the fetus's brain

Altering the development of the fetus's neurotransmitters

These effects of alcohol can lead to a range of problems in the developing fetus, including:

Birth defects

Intellectual disabilities

Learning disabilities

Behavioral problems

Vision and hearing problems

Heart defects

Kidney defects

What Are the Risks of Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy?

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can increase the risk of a number of problems for the mother and her baby, including:

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND)

Learning disabilities

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioral problems

Vision and hearing problems

Heart defects

Kidney defects

Miscarriage

Premature birth

Stillbirth

How Can I Avoid Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy?

The best way to avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy is to stop drinking alcohol before you become pregnant. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Your doctor can help you make the best decision for you and your baby.

Here are some tips for avoiding alcohol during pregnancy:

Read food labels carefully. Some foods, such as salad dressings and sauces, may contain alcohol.

Be aware of hidden sources of alcohol, such as mouthwash and cough syrup.

Avoid social situations where alcohol is served.

If you are offered alcohol, politely decline and explain that you are pregnant.

Talk to your friends and family about your decision to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. They can support you and help you make healthy choices.

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