The newly developed test can detect alcohol in the blood. Even if it was consumed two weeks ago. 700 women participated in the study and almost all of them indicated in the questionnaire that they had not consumed alcohol, while 35 of them had. “We find the results very worrisome”, says Erasmus MC gynecologist Hilmar Bijma. “Because alcohol is a harmful substance for the development of the child and a low amount can also be harmful.”
–
–
Bijma therefore insists that women really do not drink alcohol. “If the mother drinks alcohol, this has various consequences. An increased risk of a miscarriage, a stillborn child, growth problems and – with severe use – an increased risk of premature birth.”
Behavioral problems
In addition to the physical problems, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also cause behavioral and developmental problems. Moreover, the alcohol from a glass of wine is easier for the mother to break down than for the child. “The child’s alcohol level is the same as the mother’s, but the child’s ability to break it down is much worse. The baby’s capacity to break down alcohol is only four percent of that of the mother. In addition, the alcohol accumulates in the baby. amniotic fluid, resulting in long-term exposure. “
–
–
The new blood test should alert women to the dangers of alcohol during pregnancy. “We also want to make alcohol use during pregnancy a topic of discussion, so that we can support pregnant women when it is difficult to stop drinking. Good help is available.”
Low quantities
According to Birgit Koch, hospital pharmacist at Erasmus MC, the test can also detect low amounts. “Suppose you have drunk a glass of wine, then we can see that, but we do keep the limit of a glass. So you may not see a bonbon with some alcohol.”
–
–
