Living in a big city is indeed stressful. Therefore, it is normal to look for an ‘escape’ after a day full of activities. One of the most common ‘escapes’ is consuming alcohol. Drinking alcoholic beverages can indeed reduce your stress levels in an instant. Unfortunately, this effect is only temporary. In fact, this habit can actually have negative impacts on your body.

Many studies have shown the negative effects of drinking alcohol. In the previous article, we discussed that frequent consumption of alcohol could increase the risk of premature death related to various health problems, including stroke and heart failure. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of liver damage, decreased brain function, and abnormalities in pregnancy, such as miscarriage.

In a recent study conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), researchers found that women who consume alcohol in early pregnancy have a higher risk of miscarriage. These results were obtained after analysing the data of 5,353 pregnant women from eight metropolitan areas in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Texas. Each participant reported their alcohol consumption each week. To observe the effect, the participants’ medical history data were also collected.

The results showed that those who like to consume alcohol in early pregnancy (the first ten weeks) have an 8% higher risk of miscarriage. The first phase of pregnancy, when the embryo is developing rapidly and begins to develop organs, is the most crucial period in maintaining a successful pregnancy. Researchers explained that alcohol could cause hormonal pattern modifications, change the quality of implantation, to increase oxidative stress, which can increase the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, researchers suggest to stop drinking alcohol, both during the planning period and during pregnancy to avoid these risks.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Sundermann, A.C., Edwards, D.R.V., Slaughter, J.C., et al (2020). Week-by-week alcohol consumption in early pregnancy and spontaneous abortion risk: a prospective cohort study. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, DOI: 10.1016 / j.ajog.2020.07.012.
• Science Daily - Miscarriage risk increases each week alcohol is used in early pregnancy (2020). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200810102430.htm, 11 August 2020.