When you first discover you’re pregnant, it can feel a bit like going back to school; there’s so much to learn. The food you consume will affect your baby, so it’s crucial to make sure you’re eating pregnancy-safe foods and consuming safe drinks. You might be wondering whether it’s safe to drink alcohol during pregnancy or worrying about that glass of wine you enjoyed before discovering your pregnancy.
You should avoid alcohol if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy could harm your baby. The more alcohol you drink, the greater the risk of harm to your baby. If you usually drink alcohol regularly, you might find it tough to give up. There is no safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy, so pregnant women are advised to avoid alcohol altogether. Avoiding drinking is an easy step to protect your baby’s long-term health.
Alcohol and pregnancy
As with many aspects of pregnancy, there is a great deal of misinformation about whether or not it’s safe to drink alcohol during pregnancy. This is because the advice regarding alcohol and pregnancy has changed over time as our understanding of the impact of alcohol on fetal development has increased. The more research that’s been carried out, the more apparent it has become that no amount of alcohol can be considered safe during pregnancy.
Your midwife is best placed to offer you up-to-date advice on alcohol use during pregnancy. Your midwife or obstetrician will be aware of the latest research and be able to answer any questions you have regarding alcohol use during pregnancy. Whether you are partial to the occasional drink or a weekend binge drinker, your midwife will have advice to help you avoid drinking for the duration of your pregnancy.
How much alcohol can you drink while pregnant?
There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy; even moderate alcohol consumption can have devastating consequences. Experts advise pregnant women to avoid alcohol altogether to protect the developing fetus. In the past, a small amount of alcohol was thought to be ok, so you might receive outdated drinking advice from older friends and family members. It’s important to follow the latest advice to ensure the health of your baby and, when it comes to alcohol, that means giving up entirely.
What can I drink instead of alcohol during pregnancy?
If you’re missing your favourite tipple, you might be wondering what you can drink during pregnancy. Although there are lots of alcohol-free wines, beers and spirits on the market, they are actually best avoided during pregnancy. They are technically alcohol-free but they might actually contain slightly more alcohol than it says on the label. Because any amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy can cause harm, the best thing is to avoid even ‘alcohol-free’ alternatives, just in case.
Don’t worry, though; there are other things you can drink. Many pregnant women turn to flavoured sparkling water as a healthy alternative to an evening drink. If you’re out and feeling fancy, why not treat yourself to a mocktail? Fruit juices, hot drinks and caffeine-free sodas are other options. Pay attention to the caffeine and sugar levels in your drinks, though, to make sure you’re staying within healthy limits.
Alcohol aversion during pregnancy
Many women find they go off the taste of alcohol during pregnancy. One of the first clues you’re pregnant could be an aversion to your favourite alcoholic drink. This physical aversion to alcohol can help you give up alcohol more easily. Many women find the smell of wine or beer makes them feel nauseous during the first trimester.
The risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy
Alcohol passes from your blood to your baby’s placenta. A baby’s liver is not yet fully developed and can’t process alcohol. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can affect a baby’s development in the womb, the birth, and the baby’s long-term health.
There are various health problems associated with prenatal alcohol exposure.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
The problems associated with prenatal alcohol exposure are far-reaching. A 2020 study in New Zealand found that women who regularly drank throughout pregnancy gave birth to children who showed delayed vocal communication at 18 months.
A 2020 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry concluded:
‘Prenatal alcohol exposure of any severity was associated with greater psychopathology, impulsivity, and likelihood of being diagnosed with separation anxiety and oppositional defiant disorder, with some observed dose-related associations. Heavier exposure was also associated with greater withdrawn or depressed behavior, attention deficits, rule breaking, aggression, and a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with ADHD’.
Drinking any amount of alcohol during pregnancy carries the risk of harming your baby. Heavier drinking carries a greater risk of harm to your child. It is never too late to stop drinking during pregnancy. Stopping drinking today could protect your baby’s health and allow a healthy rate of growth.
Unfortunately, the impacts of heavy drinking can’t always be reversed. There’s no way of knowing how much harm has been caused until your baby has been born. Quit drinking today to protect your baby’s health and prevent future damage.
Alcohol and early pregnancy
The first trimester is a time of huge development for your baby. During the first three months of pregnancy, all of your baby’s organs will develop. In fact, by 12 weeks, your baby is fully formed; her organs, muscles, and bones are developed. For the remaining months of pregnancy, your baby will be maturing and growing until she is ready to enter the world.
The first trimester is crucial for health development. Drinking alcohol during this time could pose a threat to your baby’s healthy development. This is why women are advised to quit drinking before they start trying for a baby, to ensure the entire first trimester is free from alcohol.
What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) was previously known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. FASD is a group of conditions caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. These conditions include physical, learning and behavioural disabilities.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders can cause:
- Behavioural difficulties
- Learning disabilities
- Problems with joints, bones, muscles and organs
- Social difficulties
- Hyperactivity
- Impulse control problems
- Communication difficulties.
The symptoms of FASD will last a lifetime. FASD, however, is completely avoidable; all you need to do is abstain from alcohol during your pregnancy. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG): ‘Whether or not a baby is affected mildly or severely with FASD is directly linked to how much and how often a woman drinks during pregnancy’.
How early in pregnancy does alcohol affect the baby?
Drinking alcohol can affect your baby at any stage of your pregnancy. Even before you realize you are pregnant, the alcohol you consume could affect your baby’s development. During the first trimester, alcohol consumption can impair the development of your baby’s facial features. Drinking at any time during the pregnancy can affect your baby’s growth, brain development and nervous system.
If you’re hoping to conceive, it’s best to stop drinking even before you see a positive pregnancy test. Avoiding alcohol for the entire duration of your pregnancy is the only way to guarantee your baby is born without FASD.
Alcohol withdrawal pregnancy
Giving up alcohol isn’t easy if you’re battling alcohol abuse, alcoholism or addiction, but there is help available. Speak honestly with your healthcare provider if you are struggling to stop drinking. Your midwife will be able to refer you for help in quitting alcohol. Giving up alcohol is the best thing you can do for your baby, so reach out for help. It’s important to be honest about your alcohol use, so your midwife can offer the right level of support to help you become alcohol-free.
If you are a very heavy drinker, you might suffer from alcohol withdrawal when you stop drinking. This will need to be medically managed, to protect your health and your baby’s, so make sure your healthcare provider is involved when you stop drinking. You can be referred to alcohol treatment programs and support groups for pregnancy to help you succeed.
What if I was drinking and didn’t know I was pregnant?
If you drank alcohol before discovering your pregnancy, try not to worry about it. Worrying won’t change anything, and it’s best to avoid stress during pregnancy. If you are very early in your pregnancy, your baby will probably be fine. The risk of your baby being affected is very low. If you have any concerns, you should speak to your healthcare advisor, who will be able to reassure you.
Unfortunately, we can’t change the past. All you can do is focus on being as healthy as possible over the next nine months. Abstain from alcohol, eat a healthy, balanced diet, try to get regular exercise, and keep your stress levels to a minimum.
When should I stop drinking alcohol before pregnancy?
You should stop drinking alcohol as soon as you start trying for a baby. Although it is normalized in society, drinking alcohol is an unhealthy habit that can affect your health. Abstaining from alcohol while trying to conceive eliminates the risk of drinking alcohol in very early pregnancy, before you take a test.
Either partner drinking heavily can reduce the likelihood of conception, so it’s worthwhile getting your partner on board as well. Ask your partner to abstain from alcohol to support you during the pregnancy and while you’re trying to get pregnant.
Recommended reading:
5 Genius Ways To Hide The Fact You’re Not Drinking Over Christmas.
