| It seems like every week we hear another story on | | | | Unlike alcohol and caffeine, there are strikingly clear |
| the news about recommendations on drinking alcohol in | | | | risks associated with cigarette smoking and drug use |
| pregnancy. Often these recommendations appear to | | | | during pregnancy. The carbon monoxide and the |
| be conflicting: don't drink alcohol during pregnancy; a | | | | nicotine in cigarettes both cross the placenta and can |
| small glass of wine each day is fine. So what is truth? | | | | cause problems for the baby during pregnancy and |
| The difficult answer is that we simply do not know for | | | | after birth. The amount of oxygen available in the |
| certain. While we know that alcohol when taken often | | | | blood is reduced when smoking cigarettes and, as a |
| and in large amounts can do serious harm to the | | | | result, can lead to foetal growth retardation and |
| developing baby during pregnancy, called Foetal | | | | developmental problems in the baby. Infections and |
| Alcohol Syndrome, we do not know the exact levels | | | | breathing problems in the first weeks after birth are |
| where alcohol intake becomes dangerous. Alcohol | | | | more likely in babies born to smokers than those born |
| does cross the placenta and can accumulate in the | | | | to non-smokers. There is also evidence that smoking |
| amniotic fluid. Babies, who are exposed to alcohol, may | | | | during pregnancy increases the risk of sudden infant |
| have slow growth, although the level at which this | | | | death syndrome (cot death or SIDs). The good news |
| occurs is not known. The recommendation from the | | | | is that birth weight is less likely to be affected if the |
| World Health Organization (WHO) is that a safe level | | | | woman stops smoking before the fourth month of |
| of alcohol intake during pregnancy cannot be | | | | pregnancy. It can be very difficult to give up cigarettes, |
| established and that abstinence is the safest approach. | | | | even if the mother is concerned about the well-being |
| What about that cup of tea, espresso or fizzy drink | | | | of her baby. But cutting down even a little can have a |
| though? Caffeine found in these drinks is a powerful | | | | positive effect on the baby's health. |
| stimulant. While caffeine does not appear to be linked | | | | Consumption of illegal drugs is not safe for the unborn |
| to birth defects or premature birth, it has been shown | | | | baby or for the mother. Studies have shown that |
| to increase the risks of foetal growth retardation, | | | | consumption of illegal drugs during pregnancy can |
| miscarriage and low birth weight. Women who | | | | result in miscarriage, low birth-weight, premature labour, |
| consume more than 300 mg of caffeine a day (three | | | | placental abruption, foetal death and even maternal |
| five-ounce cups of coffee) appear to be at the | | | | death. Even prescription and over-the-counter drugs |
| highest risk of these problems. In addition to coffee, | | | | can have effects on your baby. Always make sure |
| caffeine can be found in cola soft drinks, chocolate, | | | | that your doctor or chemist is aware of your |
| cocoa, tea, diuretics and some over the counter drugs. | | | | pregnancy when purchasing these remedies. |
| Does this mean that you should give up all caffeine | | | | Of course the absolute best source of information is |
| during your pregnancy? Some of you may choose this | | | | your doctor or midwife. S/he will be able to offer you |
| option, but all pregnant women should be aware of the | | | | referrals to local sources for help with any substance |
| amount of caffeine they are consuming and limit its | | | | issues. |
| consumption. | | | | |