Topic - Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. Not only does a pregnant woman’s use of alcohol cause irreversible physical disabilities, learning and behavioral problems, it also sets a child up for alcohol abuse because of the smell of alcohol in the womb.
Yes, the smell of alcohol in the womb.
A baby’s developing sense of smell and taste originate in the womb. It’s also where they learn about what is safe and good to eat even during breastfeeding.
The developing nervous system senses alcohol in the amniotic fluid and develops a liking to it the same way it would to something healthy. In this case the normal process is working against the fetus.
If children have a history of prenatal alcohol exposure, help them understand their risks for alcoholism.
The taste for alcohol isn’t their fault, but it sure is their responsibility to make smart choices.
