Motherhood is the most special feeling in a woman’s life. Motherhood starts with pregnancy when a unique and exceptional love and care bond develops between a child and mother. During pregnancy, a mother must ensure her diet is clean and full of nutrients for good fetal development; mothers should also ensure that they are healthy to deal with bodily changes during pregnancy.

There is always a doubt about what to eat, how much to eat, and what not to eat. A balanced diet is a must, but there are certain foods that you must avoid during pregnancy. When consumed during pregnancy, various foods can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which may cause growth problems and brain damage in your child.

What Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)? 

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) is a fetus’s disorder during pregnancy. This defect causes growth problems and irreversible brain damage in the child. If you consume alcohol during pregnancy, there is a high chance for your child to develop FAS since there is no prescribed safe limit of alcohol during pregnancy. FASD are medical conditions that occur in an alcoholic mother and the child, leading to behavioral problems and learning abilities. 

A study conducted by the Centre for Disease Control showed drinking alcohol during pregnancy causes three significant abnormalities:

1. The child’s slow development before and after birth involves reduced height, underweight, and reduced head circumference.
2. FAS causes lower intelligence levels and irregular muscle coordination in children.
3. FAS causes inconsistent growth of limbs and vital organs, such as the liver, heart, and brain.

Can We Cure FAS?

FAS / FASD does not have a cure, but you can improve the child’s development by treatment. Early treatment from birth up to four years can help the child learn basic skills like walking, talking, and interacting with others. The only cure is to avoid the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.

Ten Foods That You Must Avoid During Pregnancy

Most pregnant women crave various foods; these cravings can cause a desire to eat lemon tart, spicy food, or even a glass of good vintage wine. You must be very careful while selecting your plate; your plate must contain nutritious food essential for your child’s growth. There are a variety of foods that may cause FAS, and you must avoid it during pregnancy.

Alcohol

A developing baby’s liver cannot break down alcohol and can damage the liver. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy causes miscarriage, brain disorders, and less growth in babies. Even a tiny level of intake can be harmful to the baby. FAS is most common in mothers who consume alcohol during pregnancy. 

Caffeine

Caffeine is another substance pregnant women should avoid. Even if you are a coffee woman, keep your limit to less than 200 mg per day. Caffeine passes quickly to your child through the placenta. Developing babies inside a womb do not have enzymes that can digest caffeine which may cause type 2 diabetes and deformed growth.