The Problems with Pregnancies from Alcoholism

The continued growth of alcoholism in Canada, and throughout the world, is a growing problem for all societies. Alcoholism is a leading contributor to many of society's problems such as joblessness, broken marriages, and abuse (both physical and emotional). Along with these problems are the many medical conditions that are attributed to alcoholism. Among many of these conditions are caused through pregnancies from alcoholism.

Alcoholism and Pregnancy

It is highly recommended that women who believe that they may be pregnant abstain from drinking any alcohol. However, since the recent studies have shown that many of the young people in Canada have tried alcohol in the last year, with 46% of the tenth grade students admitting to drinking at least twice, with the desire to get drunk, within the previous year, pregnancies happen quite often when under the influence.

Teen Pregnancy

Because of this influx of alcohol into the lives of teenagers, there is also a corresponding rise in teenage pregnancy. Many of the young girls who are pregnant in their teens state that is was because of being drunk, or drinking with some friends.

Pregnancies from Alcoholism Problems

Besides the rising number of teenage pregnancies, there is also another problem caused through alcoholism. As the woman continues to drink heavily while they are pregnant, the fetus suffers extreme problems while still in the womb. The major problem is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. This disorder is the leading cause of preventable birth defects that result in learning, social, and cognitive disabilities. The estimated cost of FASD in Canada is over 300 million dollars per year.

While the woman continues to drink excessively while pregnant, the fetus has a good chance of developing one, or several different birth defects. These defects begin to show themselves while the baby is still in the womb. Although, there are times when they are not found for several years after birth.

Lifelong Medical Problems

Unfortunately, pregnancies from alcoholism results in long term illnesses that the child never grows out of. These can be heart problems, kidney problems, emotional psychosis, and even physical deformities. Many are not operable and will continue to be a part of the newborn's life. This places considerable strain on the family of the baby, as well as the community as a whole. In the event that the person is not able to care for the baby after it is born, then protective services steps in and the baby is placed with a foster home.

Pregnancies from Alcoholism Is Preventable

Many of the pregnancies from alcoholism can be prevented. Through a combination of education, and safety procedures, these pregnancies can start to decrease. Knowing the dangers of drinking while pregnant is the first step. The next step is to get help for the disease of alcoholism. This help comes through either the use of a support group or a residential type of rehab facility. Cutting down the numbers of teenage drinking is also another step towards preventing some of the pregnancies caused through alcoholism or alcohol consumption.

 

 

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