Risks of Alcohol and Smoking in Early Pregnancy: Impact on Baby's Development

Drinking and smoking during pregnancy can seriously harm the baby at any stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester.

Alcohol:

* Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD): Alcohol can cross the placenta and reach the fetus, causing a range of physical, mental, and behavioral problems. FASD can include fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which is characterized by growth restriction, facial abnormalities, and intellectual disabilities.

* Miscarriage: Heavy drinking during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage.

* Stillbirth: Heavy drinking during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth.

* Premature birth: Heavy drinking during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth.

* Low birth weight: Heavy drinking during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, which can increase the risk of health problems in the baby.

Smoking:

* Low birth weight: Smoking during pregnancy can restrict the oxygen and nutrients that reach the fetus, leading to low birth weight.

* Premature birth: Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth.

* Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of SIDS.

* Childhood respiratory problems: Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of childhood respiratory problems, such as asthma.

* Learning disabilities: Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of learning disabilities in the child.

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, it is important to stop drinking and smoking alcohol immediately. There is no safe level of alcohol or smoking during pregnancy.