Clinical Review

Alcohol: An unfortunate teratogen

Author and Disclosure Information

 

References

As obstetricians, we are powerless to prevent many conditions—such as vasa previa, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, and amniotic band syndrome. FAS is 100% preventable.

There aren’t that many proven teratogens in our profession, and there are none that involve behavior that is more socially acceptable than alcohol consumption. It is time for our profession to encourage women to appreciate how small a percentage of one’s life is spent pregnant, how many more years there are to enjoy an occasional cocktail, and how very high the stakes are during this important period of their lives. Oh, how I wish someone had been able to communicate all of this to sweet Charlie’s biologic mother. I am so grateful he’s getting the exceptional care he’s getting and very optimistic regarding his future. I only hope others in his situation are given the same opportunities.

DID YOU READ THIS RELATED ARTICLE?

Prenatal counseling
Louise Wilkins-Haug, MD, PhD (January 2008)
Prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome requires routine screening of all women of reproductive age

We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think.

Pages

Recommended Reading

New Criteria for Gestational Diabetes Could Swamp Providers
MDedge ObGyn
Prenatal Diagnosis: Microarray Analysis Bests Karyotyping
MDedge ObGyn
Microarray Testing Provides More Answers Than Karyotyping in Stillbirth
MDedge ObGyn
Simple technique facilitates laparoscopic port closure
MDedge ObGyn
Care bundles lower birth injuries, claims
MDedge ObGyn
Links found between episodes of mood disorders, childbirth
MDedge ObGyn
Overweight pregnant women can safely gain under 25 pounds
MDedge ObGyn
OTC antireflux drugs
MDedge ObGyn
A stitch in time: The B-Lynch, Hayman, and Pereira uterine compression sutures
MDedge ObGyn
Does an unfavorable cervix preclude induction of labor at term in women who have gestational hypertension or mild preeclampsia?
MDedge ObGyn