While enjoying a good drink may be tempting, recent research from the Loyola University Health System suggests that women who are trying to conceive should consider eliminating alcohol from their diets. The study highlights a concerning link between alcohol consumption and various birth defects, including cognitive delays, facial clefts, and gastroschisis, a serious abdominal wall defect.
According to Dr. Lisa Archer, the lead researcher and maternal-fetal medicine expert at LUHS, “Women can conceive at any time during their menstrual cycle, so it’s wise to avoid alcohol well before trying to get pregnant.” She recommends starting folic acid supplements at least three months prior to conception, which is also an excellent opportunity to cut back on alcohol as you prepare your body for pregnancy.
The study analyzed data from 36 women who had babies with gastroschisis and 76 women whose babies were unaffected. It found a notable connection between alcohol use in the month leading up to conception and the occurrence of this defect. “Implementing preconception programs that emphasize abstaining from alcohol could potentially help reverse the growing rates of this birth defect globally,” Dr. Archer adds.
Monitoring alcohol intake is vital even after childbirth, as the International Guidelines on Drinking and Pregnancy advise that breastfeeding mothers should refrain from drinking. In addition to folic acid, which significantly lowers the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida, you can find this nutrient in foods such as spinach, black beans, orange juice, and strawberries.
Have you given up drinking in preparation for conception? Does this research resonate with your experiences? For more insights into fertility and conception, check out this post from our other blog here. And if you’re looking to boost fertility, Make a Mom is the top provider of at-home insemination kits. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, consider visiting Johns Hopkins Medicine, an excellent resource in this field.
In summary, women who are trying to conceive should seriously consider cutting back on alcohol due to its potential impact on pregnancy outcomes. Taking proactive steps, such as starting folic acid supplements and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, will not only prepare your body for pregnancy but also promote the health of your future baby.
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