Children exposed to alcohol during the first three months of pregnancy are at a high risk of suffering from severe developmental disabilities. Drinking later in pregnancy can result in developmental and learning delays, and behavioural problems.
Employees at maternity clinics in Finland say they're concerned about the increasing number of women who drink socially during pregnancy. Physicians take a stance of zero tolerance, saying there is no such thing as a safe drinking limit during pregnancy.
The motivation to quit drinking is generally high, but it can be too late to stave off development disabilities if the first trimester has already passed. To help families, healthcare workers make home visits to help parents detox and prepare for a new baby. However they say not enough is currently being done to fulfil the need.
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