The Daily Dispatch

Although fetal alcohol syndrome can be an extreme result of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, a new study has found that even moderate use leads to problems.

An August study by the UK journal Sleep has revealed mothers who drink during pregnancy can disrupt their children's future sleep patterns, causing them to be 2.5 times more likely to sleep less than 7.7 hours a night, according to the Daily Mail. The study also found small birth size can also predict poor sleep for children in the future.

Brenda Woytassek, chemical health coordinator at Wilkin County Public Health, said the study is a good example of why women are told to avoid alcohol during pregnancy.

"When you think of this little human being being developed, any amount would hinder some part (of the child)," she said.

Females should be wary of alcohol consumption during pregnancy as well as later on. Although this is common sense to many expecting mothers, it's still a problem. Dr. Lucy Malkasian, a pediatrician at Wahpeton's Innovis Health, said she sees children neglected because of their parents' alcohol use.

"Children learn what they see," she said. "That's why we know that kids that grow up with alcohol, they tend to turn into alcoholics themselves."

But there are a few easy ways to avoid future problems during the pre-natal stages, such as monitoring the intake of certain foods and beverages. Danielle Flack, dietician at Richland County Public Health, said women should particularly watch out for deli meat, as it can lead to listeriosis and create problems during pregnancy.

"If you're going to eat those, they suggest you heat them to steaming hot before you consume them," she said. "It's better to be safe than sorry."

Other foods to avoid include non-pasteurized milk and raw and smoked seafood. Certain kinds of fish, such as shark, swordfish and king mackerel should also be avoided, but others - tuna, shrimp and salmon - can be consumed at 12 ounces a week.

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