September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month. It’s important to know the dangers of drinking while pregnant and the harmful effects that alcohol abuse can have on a baby. During this month, learn more about the effects of alcohol abuse, how to find alcohol addiction treatment, and why it’s never too late to become sober.
Contact an addiction treatment center near you today to begin your journey to recovery today.
If a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the alcohol quickly passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. The baby cannot process alcohol like its mother can, and the effects of alcohol abuse can be severe. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) occurs when a child’s mother continues to abuse alcohol while pregnant.
The first trimester of pregnancy is critical for development, and alcohol abuse during this time can be especially harmful. While there is no safe time to drink during pregnancy, abusing alcohol in the first three months can inhibit growth and cause developmental delays. Women who drink while pregnant are more likely to miscarry, give birth prematurely, or have a stillbirth.
Some of the effects of alcohol abuse on babies include the following:
Although alcohol abuse can cause many issues both during pregnancy and later in life, addiction treatment programs can help you and your baby recover. To stop drinking while pregnant, make sure that you consult a medical professional and follow the advice of your doctor throughout the process.
For many who struggle with alcohol abuse, detox is the first step on the road to recovery. During this process, harmful substances leave the body. Detox can be challenging, as many individuals experience uncomfortable or even painful withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, alcohol detox should always be monitored by medical professionals.
Pregnant women should be especially careful in attempting alcohol detox. While the effects of alcohol abuse on their baby can be severe, unmonitored detox can be dangerous. Both the mother and baby will go through withdrawal, which could potentially cause harm to the baby. However, with the support of a full medical team, you can feel confident in taking this first step toward recovery.
After detox, the next step is to participate in a women's alcohol addiction treatment program. In one of these programs, you’ll find a combination of medical interventions, individual therapy, and group therapy sessions. Clients in these programs benefit from structure and support as they work to rebuild their lives.
It’s possible to create a strong foundation for your child. Give them the best chance to live a happy, healthy life by reaching out for help today.
Whether you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, it’s never too soon to address the effects of alcohol abuse. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we provide alcohol addiction treatment for those who are ready to overcome substance abuse. Our treatment programs include the following:
Through personalized treatment plans and a combination of holistic and evidence-based therapies, we help every individual in our care reach their goals. Detox safely with the support of our medical team, receive support in group and individual therapy, and plan for the future through our aftercare program.
During Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, make the right choice for you and your child. Contact San Antonio Recovery Center at 866.957.7885 today.
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