Alcohol Abuse During Pregnancy: Risks, Treatment, and Social Costs

This report examines the critical issue of alcohol abuse during pregnancy, detailing the potential risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. It highlights the various health issues that can arise, such as premature birth, birth defects (including vision, hearing, and heart defects), and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which can lead to learning difficulties and behavioral problems. The report also covers the impact of low birth weight and the possibility of miscarriage or stillbirth. Furthermore, it provides insights into the treatment options available, including medications like Disulfiram, Acamprostate, and Naltrexone, and suggests practical tips for pregnant women to stop drinking. The report also addresses the social and economic costs associated with alcohol abuse, such as increased violence, accidents, and decreased workplace productivity. The report provides references to support the information provided.

ALCOHOL ABUSE IN PREGNANCY

ALCOHOL
ABUSE IN
PREGNANCY
There are wide range of
treatment options across the
nation available for pregnant
women who are suffering from
alcohol abuse. The sooner a
women stops drinking, the better
the chances of having a trouble
free pregnancy. The type of
treatment will vary depending on
the duration of alcohol abuse by
the pregnant lady.
There are few medications for
treating the alcohol abuse:
• Disulfiram – will help in
throwing up the alcohol if
drunk
• Acamprostate – can help with
cravings
• Naltrexone – blocks the buzz
feeling received from the
REFERENCES
Heberlein, Annemarie, Lorenzo
Leggio, Dirk Stichtenoth, and
Hillemacher Thomas. "The
treatment of alcohol and opioid
dependence in pregnant
women." Current opinion in
psychiatry 25, no. 6 (2012): 559.
Alshaarawy, Omayma, Naomi
Breslau, and James C. Anthony.
"Monthly estimates of alcohol
drinking during pregnancy: United
States, 2002–2011." Journal of
studies on alcohol and drugs 77, no.
2 (2016): 272-276.
Hand, Dennis J., Vanessa L. Short,
and Diane J. Abatemarco.
"Substance use, treatment, and
demographic characteristics of
pregnant women entering
treatment for opioid use disorder
differ by United States census
region." Journal of substance abuse
treatment 76 (2017): 58-63.
PICTURE REFERENCING
"Policies Targeting Alcohol Use
During Pregnancy Tied To Worse
Birth Outcomes - Public Health
Institute". 2018. Phi.Org.
https://www.phi.org/news-events/14

What is Alcohol?
It is a drug. It acts as depressant as it slows
down the functions resulting in slurred speech,
unsteady movement, and harms the human body
if taken in excess amount.
Why do people drink?
To have fun and relax
Addiction
Friends influence
To diminish depression
Risks of Alcohol abuse
during pregnancy
• Premature Birth: Babies are born
before 37 weeks of normal pregnancy.
The baby faces various health issues.
Brain damage and other health
problems can be seen during the
development of the baby.
• Birth defects: There are vision,
hearing, and heart defects. Birth
defects are the kind of defects that are
seen during the birth.
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
(FASD): Babies and children with
FASD have a wide variety of health
problems. They have trouble in
learning, interacting and taking care
of themselves.
• Low Birth-weight: The baby grows
having less weight than the normal
weight of babies.
• Miscarriage or Stillbirth: The baby
dies in the mothers womb before 20
weeks of pregnancy.
Tips to stop drinking
during Pregnancy
1. Whenever the thought drinking arises,
plan to drink something good, healthier
like fruit drinks, and water.
2. Stay away from pubs, bars and other
places people are drinking. Ignore the
invitations for parties and for drinks.
3. Get rid of all the alcohol at home.
4. Ask your families and parents to keep
you away from drinking and ask them
to help and support you.
Social and economic
costs
Alcohol abuse also comes with social
and economic costs such as:
• Getting involved into fights and
showing violence.
• High likelihood of accidents.
• Poor productivity and
performance at workplace.