Maternal Alcohol Consumption

Maternal alcohol consumption refers to drinking alcohol during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman drinks, alcohol can pass through the placenta to the developing baby, potentially causing health issues. This can lead to a range of problems collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), which may include physical, behavioral, and learning difficulties. Because there is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, health professionals recommend that women avoid alcohol completely to protect the baby's healthy development.