Chapter 15, Problem 1ACTQ

What are the moral implications of using alcohol during pregnancy?

Summary Introduction

To explain: The moral implications of using alcohol during pregnancy.

Concept introduction: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause serious health problems to the fetus. When alcohol is consumed, it passes through the placenta and the umbilical cord to the fetus. This affects the development of the central nervous system and other organs of fetus.

Explanation of Solution

Consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is unsafe. When pregnant women consume alcohol, it passes through the placenta to fetus, which may cause abortion, other birth defects, and a range of physical, intellectual, and behavioral abilities. These abnormalities are called fetal alcohol syndrome. Some of the implications of using alcohol during pregnancy are as follows:

• Growth restriction before and after birth.
• Problems with heart, kidney, and bones.
• Physical abnormalities like small head size, facial features like smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip which may alter the normal patterns of symmetry.
• Cognitive abnormalities like speech and language delays, low IQ, learning disabilities, poor reasoning, and judgment skills.
• Increased frequency of major birth defects like cleft palate, heart defects, and defects in ears, genitals, eyes, and urinary system.