What happens when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol?

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the alcohol passes through the placenta and into the baby's bloodstream. The baby's body is not yet fully developed and cannot process alcohol in the same way that an adult's body can. This can lead to several problems, including:

* Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is a group of birth defects that can occur when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. FAS can cause a range of problems, including mental retardation, growth problems, and facial abnormalities.

* Other developmental problems. Alcohol can also cause other developmental problems, such as learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

* Miscarriage. Alcohol can also increase the risk of miscarriage.

* Stillbirth. Alcohol can also increase the risk of stillbirth.

Even a small amount of alcohol can be harmful to a developing fetus. The safest thing to do is to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy.