Alcohol can be harmful to anybody if the quantity of intake is high. The effects of drinking during pregnancy are even worse. The harmful effects may be mild or severe depending on the person and the drinking habits. There may be social and emotional issues for the baby apart from issues related to retardation and behavioral issues.

Drinking also increases the risk of miscarriage or a pre-mature birth, which is before 37 weeks. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also cause a stillbirth. Binge drinking is also a serious hazard, as studies have shown that women who binge drink three or more time while carrying have a 56 greater chance for a stillbirth than do women who do not binge drink. Likewise, moms who consume five or more drinks a week are at a 70% greater risk of a stillbirth than non-drinkers.

On the top of your menu, should be foods that have a lot of folic acid, vitamin B6 and several others that will provide you and your baby the necessary vitamins and nutrients for healthy development.

In the first trimester, your unborn child will grow all of its major organs. The heart, liver, kidneys, and several more develop, requiring much tissue to be built. Giving your body healthy, nutritious food will help your baby at this stage and as well as during your entire pregnancy.

It is particularly unfortunate when teenagers engage in this pattern of drinking because they have the most to lose. Scientists have warned that teenagers who engage in heavy drinking risk permanent damage to their brain functions. Excessive alcohol has the ability to interfere with a critical phase of the development of their young brains. A common deleterious effect for teens is memory loss that can extend into adulthood.

The first trick to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy is to look into a baby magazine, find the best looking baby picture, cut in and frame it nicely. Whenever the urge to drink alcohol arises, the pregnant woman can then look at the picture and be reminded that it is better for the baby if she drinks pure, refreshing water or a nice glass of natural juice.

An increased risk of alcoholism in the child. Recently, studies have shown that babies born to mothers who drink during their pregnancies are more likely to become alcohol abusers themselves. Babies in the womb develop a "preference" for tastes and odors associated with alcohol. This fact, combined with external factors (such as peer pressure, etc.) leads to a greater incidence of drinking among these children as they grow up.

Many pregnant women are also confused about the impact of drinking non-alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine. But remember that it also contains a small percentage of alcohol. They are not always free of alcohol content. However, you may trust the brands that come with a no-alcohol label.

Alcohol cravings like any other cravings can pass if a person changes her mind by standing up and engages into another activity. Often, by just pouring herself a nice cool glass of fresh water with a twist of lemon or lime, a pregnant woman will satisfy her thirst and envy for "a special drink".

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