Patient's question:
I am 33 years old and have a 18-year-old boy with intellectual disability. Recently, I found out I am pregnant but didn't know. During this period, I had a social gathering where I drank a little white wine and one bottle of beer. I would like to consult if this will affect the child's development.Doctor's answer:
In principle, pregnant women should absolutely avoid alcohol because its stimulatory effects can have adverse impacts on fetal development, potentially leading to malformations. However, if you only had a small amount, it is unlikely to cause severe harm. There have been cases where patients consumed beer without knowing they were pregnant, and it did not adversely affect the child.If you wish to preserve the pregnancy, it is essential to undergo strict prenatal examinations. At 14–19 weeks of pregnancy, undergo a Down syndrome screening, and at 22–26 weeks, have a 4D ultrasound for prenatal anomaly detection. If necessary, at 16–20 weeks, consider amniocentesis and cord blood analysis to determine the baby's development inside the womb.
It is recommended to preserve the baby and undergo regular prenatal check-ups. If any abnormalities are detected, terminate the pregnancy promptly.