If you drank alcohol a few weeks before you found out you were pregnant, you may be worried about the possible consequences. The first weeks of pregnancy are very important for embryonic development, but studies on the effects of alcohol consumption during this period are contradictory.

Research on alcohol in early pregnancy

Some studies show that drinking alcohol during the first weeks of pregnancy can harm the developing fetus. However, other studies have shown that drinking alcohol in early pregnancy does not harm the developing fetus.

Studies have shown that a person's type of drinking (for example, one drink a day instead of binge drinking) has the greatest impact on the impact of alcohol consumption on fetal development.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it's not safe to drink too much alcohol during pregnancy.

Key development time

The body's systems and organs develop during the embryonic period of pregnancy, which begins with fertilization and lasts up to eight weeks. The fetus's heart, central nervous system, eyes, arms, and legs develop during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy. These developing organ systems are susceptible to damage early in development.

Drinking patterns matter

Fetal alcohol syndrome studies have shown over the years that pregnant women's drinking patterns have the greatest impact on their fetuses. The most dangerous drinks are chronic drinking, binge drinking, and excessive alcohol consumption. According to the CDC, the pattern and timing of prenatal alcohol consumption can significantly affect fetal exposure to adverse effects.

The study did not reveal any side effects

A study of 5,628 pregnant women in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia found that women who drank alcohol in the first weeks of pregnancy did not have an increased risk of having premature or low birth weight babies. Increased risk of complications from high blood pressure during pregnancy.

The study was controversial when it was published in October 2013. For women who reported drinking 7 or more drinks per week, the rates of preterm birth and low birth weight (about 15% of the group) were similar to those of non-drinkers.

Is drinking too much dangerous?

A year later, a study of 1,264 pregnant women at the University of Leeds in England found that women who drank even small amounts of alcohol in the first weeks of pregnancy had an increased risk of premature birth or having an unexpectedly small child.

Women who drank just two drinks a week had a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight than women who did not drink.

Advice

It is not known how drinking alcohol in early pregnancy affects the fetus, but most health care organizations advise you to stop drinking as soon as you plan to become pregnant or know you are pregnant.