Current evidence indicates there is no known safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy. The safest choice is not to drink at all while you are pregnant, and the best time to stop is when you are planning to become pregnant.
How alcohol affects your developing baby#
The risk to your developing baby is highest when you drink heavily or often, but there is evidence that even low-level drinking, particularly in the first trimester, can cause long-term harm. Every pregnancy and every baby is different, so there is no way to predict exactly how alcohol will affect your developing baby.
When you drink, your baby is exposed to a similar concentration of alcohol in their blood. This can:
- harm the developing brain
- restrict physical growth
- affect cognitive development
Some of the most serious risks of drinking during pregnancy include:
- slowed fetal growth and low birth weight
- premature birth
- miscarriage (losing a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy)
- stillbirth (a baby born dead after 24 weeks of pregnancy)
- fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)#
FASD is a range of physical, mental, behavioural and learning disabilities that can result from alcohol exposure before birth. There is currently no reliable information on the level of alcohol consumption that causes FASD, and many cases are thought to go unreported. Avoiding alcohol during pregnancy is the recommended way to prevent it.
Risks to your own health#
Drinking while pregnant can also put your own health at risk, through effects such as:
- gestational diabetes
- high blood pressure
- vomiting and dehydration
- nutritional deficiency
Some people continue to drink after they find out they are pregnant. Heavy drinking, whether daily drinking or binge drinking, carries the greatest risk to your baby, but even one or two drinks a week may still cause harm. Because no safe amount has been established, the safest approach is to avoid alcohol entirely.
If you are having trouble cutting down or stopping, talk to your healthcare professional for advice and support, as this can be hard to manage on your own.
Drinking before you knew you were pregnant#
The risk from low-level drinking before you knew you were pregnant is not fully understood, but it may affect the developing baby. It is recommended that you stop drinking as soon as you know you are pregnant to help prevent any potential harm. Your healthcare professional can support you if stopping is difficult.
Alcohol and breastfeeding#
It is also safest not to drink while breastfeeding, because alcohol can pass into breast milk and may affect a baby’s feeding, sleeping patterns and physical and cognitive development.
Alcohol, sperm and conception#
Alcohol can affect male fertility too. Studies suggest that drinking regularly can significantly reduce the quality of sperm, which lowers the chances of conceiving. Alcohol consumption before conception may also affect sperm in ways that could contribute to physical or intellectual problems for the child later on. Reducing or cutting out alcohol about three months before trying to conceive is recommended.
Support makes it easier#
Having support from those around you can make it much easier to say no to alcohol. Research suggests that pregnant people are less likely to drink when their partner also abstains, so partners and friends choosing to stay alcohol-free can make a real difference.
If you are having trouble reducing or stopping your drinking, speak to a healthcare professional or an alcohol and drug counselling and referral service for free, confidential advice.
Key points#
- There is no known safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy.
- The risk to your developing baby is highest with frequent or heavy drinking, but even low-level drinking can cause harm.
- Drinking during pregnancy can cause FASD and raises the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and slowed growth.
- Drinking can also harm your own health, and alcohol can pass into breast milk.
- Stop drinking as soon as you know you are pregnant, and ask a healthcare professional for support if you need it.
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.