Is it safe for pregnant women to drink beer? This is a topic of concern for many expectant mothers as there is a lot of information indicating that consuming excessive amounts of alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, miscarriages, and decreases milk quality. Mombabyblog.com will provide information and answers in the article below to support and advise pregnant women.
Effects of alcohol on health
Estimates show that Vietnam ranks 5th out of 10 Asian countries in terms of alcohol consumption with a total of 68 million liters. There is ample scientific evidence to support the claim that alcohol is the direct cause of around 30 different types of injuries and diseases, and contributes to at least 200 other diseases indirectly.
Excessive alcohol consumption specifically has the following harmful effects on human health:
– Increased risk of liver diseases (cirrhosis, liver cancer)
– Neurological disorders (sleep disturbance, delirium, psychosis)
– Cardiovascular disease (myocardial ischemia, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, heart failure)
– Gastric ulcer disease, duodenal ulcer disease
– Gastroesophageal reflux…
Can pregnant women drink beer?
In response to this question, experts advise against it, moms. Pregnant women should avoid not only beer but all alcoholic beverages.
Beer contains an alcohol content ranging from 4.5% to 10%, which can harm the liver of a pregnant woman. Furthermore, excessive consumption can lead to intoxication, dizziness, and the risk of falls, potentially resulting in a miscarriage. To gain a deeper understanding of why drinking alcohol during pregnancy is not recommended, please read the next section of the article.
Can drinking beer make me white?
The belief that drinking beer during pregnancy will result in having a fair-skinned baby is just a myth with no scientific evidence. The alcohol content in beer, ranging from 4.5% to 10%, can negatively impact the digestive system, nervous system, liver and gallbladder system, as well as harm the development of the fetus when consumed.
Moreover, it is not safe to use beer for bathing babies with the intention of cleaning and lightening their skin. Excessive exposure to alcohol can lead to skin toxicity even through skin absorption.
Effects of alcohol during pregnancy
Here are the bad effects of alcohol on pregnancy, mothers should learn to actively avoid this drink:
Causing the fetus to absorb nutrients poorly
The alcohol in beer impairs blood circulation between the fetus and the pregnant woman, leading to a decrease in oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus. Prolonged exposure to this condition can result in slow organ and limb formation, decreased fetal health, sluggish development, and an increased risk of premature birth.
Increased risk of birth defects
Pregnant women who consume beer during pregnancy are susceptible to giving birth to children with intellectual disabilities, malformed fetuses, or incompletely developed organs. The alcohol in beer obstructs the fetus from obtaining adequate nutrients and oxygen.
Effects on the nervous system of the fetus
Alcohol stimulates the production of GABA and interferes with glutamate, leading the fetus to be in a state of inebriation while in the womb. This abnormal brain development affects the fetus’s reflexes and information processing ability. Furthermore, the low absorption of nutrients and oxygen caused by beer can lead to malformations in the fetus’s spinal cord, brain, and nervous system. This can result in birth defects such as poor communication and interaction skills, weak memory, and mental retardation.
Increased risk of miscarriage in pregnant women
If a pregnant woman consistently and frequently consumes alcohol during pregnancy, the environment in the womb will become highly toxic, putting the fetus at risk. The fetus, being weak and not fully developed, cannot handle high levels of alcohol, leading to an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
Reduced milk quality
When a pregnant woman drinks beer, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestine and also reaches the mammary glands, which degrades the quality of breast milk. Additionally, alcohol can reduce the secretion of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for stimulating milk production, leading to decreased milk supply.
If you drink beer while pregnant, what should you pay attention to?
Health experts advise that if a pregnant woman only drinks beer in small amounts, there is no need to worry excessively. If a woman who is unaware that she is pregnant drinks a large amount of beer, she should consult with a specialist for advice and screening. During pregnancy, it is important for mothers to be monitored regularly to detect any abnormalities and receive prompt treatment.
How to prevent harmful effects of alcohol for pregnant women
Health experts recommend that pregnant women avoid the consumption of alcohol, including beer and wine, during pregnancy. Instead, they suggest drinking healthy beverages such as filtered water, sugarcane juice, milk, coconut water, fruit juice, and vegetable juice. These drinks can help provide the necessary nutrients and hydration while avoiding adverse effects such as cramps, low amniotic fluid, nausea, and headaches.
If a pregnant woman has consumed alcohol before realizing she was pregnant, it is recommended to see a specialist for advice and screening. To prevent any potential harm to the fetus, it is best to abstain from drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
