Impact of Alcohol Consumption on the Mother During Pregnancy

It is recognised that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can pose serious risks not only to the developing baby but also to the mother. It is important, therefore, for women, both prior to and during their childbearing years, to be well educated about the toxicity of alcohol to themselves. 

It is essential that women who have consumed or continue to drink alcohol during their pregnancy, at whatever level, see this as a health concern for themselves, as well as their foetus, but that they are not made to feel guilty. Women need to feel supported in receiving the best obstetric and social care possible, and practical assistance in giving up or more safely managing their drinking. 

Serious medical complications that a pregnant woman who drinks may experience include: 

• alcohol withdrawal during pregnancy, labour or post-delivery miscarriage 
• injuries due to intoxication 
• dehydration  
• gestational diabetes 
• excessive vomiting 
• poor nutrition 
• hypertension      
• hypoglycaemia 
• reduced immune system function
• premature birth  
• stillbirth.