I Drank and Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant: A Reddit Story
I was 22 years old and had been drinking heavily for several months. I was in a relationship with a man who was also a heavy drinker, and we would often go out to bars and drink until we passed out. One night, after a particularly heavy night of drinking, I woke up in the morning with a splitting headache and a feeling of nausea.
I went to the bathroom and threw up, and then I realized that I was late for my period. I took a pregnancy test, and it came back positive. I was shocked and horrified. I couldn’t believe that I was pregnant. I had been drinking heavily for months, and I knew that I had put my baby at risk.
FASD: A Preventable Tragedy
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a preventable birth defect caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can cross the placenta and reach the baby, where it can damage the baby’s developing brain and organs. FAS can cause a range of lifelong disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical abnormalities, and behavioral problems.
There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Even small amounts of alcohol can harm a developing baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to avoid alcohol completely.
The Dangers of Drinking During Pregnancy
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can also increase the risk of other pregnancy complications, such as premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Alcohol can also cause problems with the baby’s development, such as learning disabilities, speech and language delays, and attention problems.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to avoid alcohol completely. There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy.
Tips for Avoiding Alcohol During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, there are a few things you can do to avoid alcohol:
- Tell your doctor that you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Avoid all alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor.
- Read food labels carefully and avoid foods that contain alcohol.
- Be aware of the hidden sources of alcohol, such as mouthwash and cough syrup.
- Talk to your family and friends about your decision to avoid alcohol.
Expert Advice
“The best way to prevent FAS is to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy,” says Dr. Sarah Schenck, a pediatrician at the University of California, San Francisco. “Even small amounts of alcohol can harm a developing baby.”
“If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol,” says Dr. Jennifer Shu, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the University of Pittsburgh. “Your doctor can help you develop a plan to avoid alcohol and protect your baby’s health.”
FAQs
Q: What are the symptoms of FAS?
A: The symptoms of FAS can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Physical abnormalities, such as a small head, short stature, and abnormal facial features
- Behavioral problems, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty with attention
Q: How is FAS diagnosed?
A: FAS is diagnosed based on a physical exam, a developmental assessment, and a history of alcohol exposure during pregnancy. There is no single test that can diagnose FAS, but a combination of tests can help to confirm the diagnosis.
Q: What is the treatment for FAS?
A: There is no cure for FAS, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These treatments may include:
- Special education and early intervention services
- Behavioral therapy
- Medication
Conclusion
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can have devastating consequences for a developing baby. FAS is a preventable birth defect that can cause a range of lifelong disabilities. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to avoid alcohol completely. There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy.
If you have questions or concerns about drinking alcohol during pregnancy, please talk to your doctor.
Are you interested in learning more about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy? Visit the following websites for more information:
