If a woman stops drinking by day 50 of pregnancy, what is the expected outcome for the infant?

When a woman ceases alcohol consumption by the 50th day of pregnancy, the expected outcome for the infant is generally positive in that the infant will usually be unaffected. The critical period for the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) is during the first trimester, particularly the first 8 weeks after conception, when the major organs and systems are forming. By day 50 of pregnancy, which falls around the end of the first trimester, the risk of developing severe defects associated with alcohol exposure decreases significantly if alcohol consumption is stopped.

Research indicates that the effects of alcohol depend greatly on the timing, frequency, and amount of alcohol consumed, as well as the genetic susceptibility of the fetus. If the woman has refrained from drinking during the crucial early weeks of organogenesis, the likelihood of significant teratogenic effects is much lower. It's worth noting that while the cessation of alcohol use greatly reduces the risk of any fetal anomalies, individual outcomes can vary, and additional factors may play a role in overall infant health.

In contrast, if alcohol intake continues during this critical period, the risks of mild to severe defects increase. Factors such as consistent high-level drinking, genetic predispositions, and other maternal health issues could also complicate outcomes. However