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Alcohol - Its Effects on Pregnancy and Conception
Alcohol decreases fertility, true or false? One particular study on a group of women found that those who consumed 1 to 5 drinks a week had a harder time getting pregnant than those who didn't drink. It also revealed that the chances of conception decreased by about 65% in women who had 10 or more drinks a week. Research Conclusions on the Risks You Are Exposed To:
Excessive or long-term alcohol use may delay conception. It may lower progesterone levels, making it difficult for an egg to get successfully implanted in your uterus. During pregnancy, frequent binge drinking (five or more drinks at once) and getting drunk may be harmful to you and your baby. It may cause a miscarriage. Depending on how much you drank and at what point in your cycle, drinking can also cause brain damage, mental retardation, growth deformities, and other problems in your fetus. Your fetus may end up with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a condition which causes a range of congenital abnormalities. Research is not conclusive as to how much it takes to result in having a child with FAS. However it shows that your baby could be at risk if you've been having seven or more drinks a week or even a single occasion of binge drinking during your pregnancy. The most critical period to avoid drinking is during the early pregnancy stage, that is the first three to eight weeks of pregnancy, before you usually know you're pregnant. This is the time when your fetus is most susceptible to damages. Suggestions from Health Practitioners:
Some feel that a low level of consumption, like a few standard drinks a week is relatively safe. That occasional glass of wine or beer should not have any negative effect on you, your conception plan, or your baby's health. Others suggest limiting alcohol intake for at least 1 month before attempting pregnancy. One health practitioner cautions that those having problems conceiving or have a history of miscarriage should avoid it for at least 48 hours prior to intercourse. As alcohol use by women during preconception and pregnancy stage is one of the leading preventable causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities, all physicians advise you to seek help and treatment if you need it. Where Can You Go For Help? If you have a serious problem with alcohol, there are many places you can go to for help, and it's never too early to start. There are programs specially designed to help women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. SAMHSA - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can help you find treatment services for all types of substance abuse throughout the United States. Their website provides good advice on getting treatment.
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Will you be worried if you find out that you're indeed pregnant in a week's time after bottoming up? If it does bother you, don't drink. As researchers and doctors can't tell conclusively how much is too much, it's best not to drink at all if you have been having a hard time conceiving. Prepare for a lifestyle change. Add an extra glass of water to your diet in place of alcohol. Or try replacing it with sparkling waters or juices instead. Return from Alcohol to Preparing For Pregnancy Return to Getting Pregnant Tips
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