Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (SAF), a disease that causes serious consequences for the child
Did you know that drinking during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome? The disease is serious but easily preventable: simply not to consume alcohol during pregnancy. Some believe that drinking a little in pregnancy is not bad for the fetus, but in reality it is necessary to reduce the intake of alcoholic beverages to zero.
For the midwife Dr. Bruna Pitaluga, the importance of talking about SAF is even greater when studies show that almost 50% of pregnancies is not expected. “Most pregnancies are diagnosed after three months of ongoing pregnancy. Furthermore, recent epidemiological data show the increase in the consumption of alcohol by women in recent decades,” he says.
What is fetal alcoholic syndrome (SAF)
Fetal alcoholic syndrome (SAF) is a set of physical, behavioral and cognitive conditions that can affect an individual when the mother consumes or consumes alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol crosses the placenta and can undermine the overall development of the fetus, leading to a series of serious and sometimes irreversible problems with the health of children, says dr. Mauro Macedo, member of the Brazilian Academy of dentistry (ABO).
The consumption of alcohol by pregnant women, especially in the first quarter of pregnancy, which is the most critical period of gestational development, interferes with the development of the organs and even the brain of the fetus that leads to cognitive, behavioral and physical disabilities in the future child.
According to the gynecologist and obstetrician Dra. Carla IaconelliA specialist in human reproduction, the child with SAF can have difficulty in motor and cognitive coordination, as well as long -term emotional and psychic disorders, making socialization difficult. “You can also have compulsions for the use of alcohol and drugs, depression and suicidal behavior”, warns the doctor.
Experts underline it There is no safe quantity of alcohol that can be ingested during pregnancy. This is because even a light or moderate consumption can trigger fetal alcoholism syndrome (SAF). “Alcohol consumption can lead to abortion and premature births, as well as to cause anomalies in the fetus,” says the midwife.
Diagnosis
Saf’s diagnosis is very complex, says the doctor. “It requires careful evaluation of the symptoms and physical characteristics. Therefore, such as the history of the mother and its relationship with alcohol. Furthermore, specific tests are performed to identify other associated pathologies,” he explains.
Although SAF is common as the autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), the disease remains underestimated, analyzes Dr. Bruna Pitaluga. “Probably due to the social stigma, the complexity of diagnosis, addiction to facial characteristics and overlapping with alternative diagnoses, such as attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity (ADHD),” says the professional.
According to Bruna, there is no laboratory exam for Saf’s diagnosis. The diagnosis depends on the evaluation and investigations of clinical manifestations and counts as knowledge of doctors from the subject.
“Unfortunately, we have a permissive society with the use of alcohol in pregnancy and doctors who, in the 21st century, do not guide pregnant women during prenatal care, allowing the use of this legitimate drug and compromising the future of these children”, underlines the doctor.
Consequences of the syndrome
According to Dr. Carla, alcohol directly affects the central nervous system, causing vital dysfunctions and disabilities in the formation of the fetus. Experts indicate the main systemic deficiencies of fetus formation caused by SAF. I am:
- Cognitive deficiency and delay in mental development;
- Hyperactivity and learning in learning;
- Heart problems such as Inteatrial Communication (CIA) and Interventricular Communication (CIV);
- Hypertension;
- Cardiac arrhythmias;
- Ventricular dysfunction;
- Renal kidneys for Hypodes.
- Renal dysfunction;
- Recurrent urinary infections;
- Difficulty of skeletal growth;
- Low birth weight.
In addition, there are still facial deficiencies. I am:
- Fine upper lip (small pronounced);
- Small nose and flat base;
- Very strong nose-lip rugs;
- Slot in the eye;
- Shorter eyelids (smaller eyes);
- Increase in the distance between the eyes.
“And it doesn’t stop here … we can still have serious intraoral commitments,” warns the dentist. Among these, Dr. Mauro cites:
- Palatina Flit (in the mouth of the mouth) – which affects food and aspiration;
- Delays in the eruption of teeth;
- Deficiencies in the formation and structure of the teeth;
- Anadontia – absence of some permanent teeth;
- Misaligned and poorly positioned teeth;
- Crossed bit – lower teeth outside the upper;
- Open Bite – Failure to correspond to the front teeth;
- Deep bite – when the lower front teeth hide too much behind the upper teeth;
- Caries and bad oral hygiene – when the cognitive problem affects patient;
- Jaw jaw and/or atreesic and poorly developed.
Healthy pregnancy
Mauro recalls that Saf is an avoidable condition and recommends mothers who want to protect their children for having them in good physical and mental health conditions that have total abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy. “Zero tolerance is the rule!” Says the professional.
Carla recalls that alcohol consumption among young women is increasingly common, regardless of the social class. In addition, early pregnancy is also a fact in our society. For the obstetrician, this scenario leads to believe that it is a great risk for women getting pregnant and continuing to eat alcohol, opening the chances for higher rates of fetal alcohol syndrome.
“It is significant to highlight the importance of prenatal care, so that the doctor can carefully monitor the gestational process and correctly guide the pregnant woman as regards the risks and care of a healthy pregnancy”, underlines the doctor.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
