What are the effects on an unborn baby of drinking during pregnancy?

Drinking during pregnancy can have a variety of harmful effects on the unborn baby. These effects are known as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and can range from mild to severe.

Some of the potential effects of drinking during pregnancy include:

* Physical abnormalities: Drinking during pregnancy can lead to a number of physical abnormalities in the baby, including:

* Low birth weight

* Small head size (microcephaly)

* Cleft lip and palate

* Heart defects

* Limb defects

* Kidney problems

* Liver damage

* Mental and behavioral problems: Drinking during pregnancy can also lead to a number of mental and behavioral problems in the baby, including:

* Intellectual disability

* Learning disabilities

* Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

* Behavioral problems

* Social problems

* Increased risk of alcohol abuse and dependence

The severity of the effects of drinking during pregnancy depends on a number of factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, the stage of pregnancy when the alcohol was consumed, and the individual baby's response to alcohol.

There is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Even small amounts of alcohol can have harmful effects on the baby. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, it is important to avoid alcohol consumption completely.

If you are concerned about your drinking during pregnancy, talk to your doctor or midwife. They can provide you with support and resources to help you stop drinking.