The Impact of Alcohol During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Highlights

• It is best to avoid alcohol if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• If you are pregnant and consume alcohol, it passes through the placenta to your unborn baby and may cause harm.
• If you are breastfeeding, alcohol enters your breast milk.
• In social situations, try switching to non-alcoholic drinks.

In This Article

1. Safety of Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy
2. Effects of Alcohol on an Unborn Baby
3. What to Do If You Drank Alcohol Before Knowing You Were Pregnant
4. Planning to Become Pregnant
5. Breastfeeding and Alcohol
6. Avoiding Alcohol During Pregnancy
7. Getting Support to Quit Alcohol
8. Tools and Assistance

Safety of Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy

There is no safe amount or type of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. Any alcohol intake can pose risks to your baby’s health.

When you drink alcohol while pregnant, it passes through your bloodstream and reaches your baby via the placenta. Since the placenta cannot filter out alcohol, your baby is exposed to its effects.

Health experts recommend that pregnant individuals avoid alcohol entirely to prevent potential harm to the baby.

Effects of Alcohol on an Unborn Baby

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of:

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Premature birth
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)

FASD is a group of lifelong conditions caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Individuals with FASD may experience challenges with:

• Motor skills
• Physical health
• Learning and attention
• Memory
• Communication
• Emotional regulation
• Social skills

What to Do If You Drank Alcohol Before Knowing You Were Pregnant

If you consumed alcohol before realizing you were pregnant, the risk from low-level drinking is likely to be minimal. However, if you are concerned, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Once you confirm your pregnancy, the safest choice is to stop drinking alcohol entirely.

Planning to Become Pregnant

If you are trying to conceive, avoiding alcohol is the safest option for both partners. While research is ongoing about alcohol’s effects on sperm, it is generally recommended to stop drinking at least three months before attempting to conceive.

Breastfeeding and Alcohol

If you are breastfeeding, avoiding alcohol is the safest choice for your baby.

Alcohol moves from your bloodstream into breast milk within 30 to 60 minutes after consumption. Several factors influence how much alcohol enters your breast milk, including:

• The strength and quantity of alcohol consumed
• Whether you have eaten beforehand
• Your body weight
• The speed at which you drink

On average, it takes about two hours for your body to completely eliminate alcohol from one standard drink.

If you choose to drink occasionally, you can plan accordingly to minimize alcohol exposure in breast milk. Consider breastfeeding or expressing milk before consuming alcohol.

Avoiding Alcohol During Pregnancy

Avoiding alcohol in social situations can sometimes be challenging, especially if you are not ready to share your pregnancy news. In such cases, you might find it helpful to say:

• “No thanks, I’m on a health kick and have given up alcohol.”
• “No thanks, I have to drive.”
• “No thanks, I have an early morning tomorrow.”

If you are comfortable sharing your pregnancy, you can simply say:

• “No thanks, not while I’m pregnant.”

Getting Support to Quit Alcohol

If you are struggling to stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, midwife, or obstetrician, for advice and support.

Consider discussing it with your partner as well—having their support in reducing or quitting alcohol can be beneficial.

Tools and Assistance

If you need help quitting alcohol during pregnancy or breastfeeding, here are some tools and resources that may be useful:

• Counseling and Therapy: Professional counseling services can help individuals understand and manage the emotional and psychological aspects of quitting alcohol. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in helping individuals with addiction and substance use issues.
• Support Groups: Participating in a support group, either in-person or online, can provide a sense of community and understanding. Many support groups offer a safe space where individuals can share their experiences and gain advice from others who are also working to quit alcohol.
• Mobile Apps: There are numerous apps designed to help you track your alcohol consumption and quit drinking. These apps offer daily reminders, motivational tips, and resources to help you stay on track with your goal to stop drinking.
• Behavioral Techniques: Using techniques such as mindfulness and meditation can help manage cravings and triggers that may prompt you to drink. These techniques can be helpful in maintaining long-term sobriety.
• Healthcare Professional Support: Your doctor or midwife can provide tailored advice on how to quit drinking, and they may also refer you to specialists, such as addiction counselors, if necessary. It’s essential to have professional guidance to ensure your approach to quitting is safe for both you and your baby.
• Family and Friend Support: Having a strong support system is crucial for successfully quitting alcohol. Talking openly with your family and friends about your goals can ensure they provide encouragement and understanding when challenges arise.

These resources and tools are all designed to help you avoid alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding and can provide crucial assistance in your journey to protect your health and the health of your baby.

Need more information?

FAQs about alcohol and pregnancy – FASD Hub Australia | FASD HubWe’ve answered some common questions around alcohol, pregnancy, and breastfeeding in our list of frequently asked questions.Read more on FASD Hub Australia websiteAlcohol and pregnancy – Alcohol and Drug FoundationUnderstanding the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy and its impact on fetal health. Learn about safe practices for expectant mothers.Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation websiteFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) – Alcohol and Other Drugs Knowledge CentreFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe the range of mental and physical effects on the developing unborn baby that are caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancyRead more on Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet websiteHow Much Alcohol is Really Safe During Pregnancy? – Hello Sunday MorningWondering how much alcohol you can have during pregnancy? We explore some of the most common questions that we get from expectant mothers.Read more on Hello Sunday Morning websiteFor Pregnancy and Breastfeeding – FASD Hub Australia | FASD HubAvoiding alcohol whilst planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding is the safest choice that you can make for yourself and your baby.Read more on FASD Hub Australia websiteFetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) | Raising Children NetworkWhen pregnant women drink alcohol, it can cause birth defects and long-term health problems for children. This is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASD.Read more on raisingchildren.net.au websiteWhat Is FASD? | About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder | NOFASD AustraliaBabies exposed to alcohol in the womb can develop fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Find out what it is, how it affects the child and what you can do about it.Read more on National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (NOFASD) websiteBrain impairment in FASD – FASD Hub Australia | FASD HubFASD diagnosis requires severe functional impairment in at least 3three of the 10 neurodevelopmental domains.Read more on FASD Hub Australia websiteAlcohol and pregnancy: picture guide | Raising Children NetworkIf you’re pregnant, it’s best not to drink alcohol. If you’re trying to get pregnant, avoid alcohol. If you need help to quit, talk to your GP or midwife.Read more on raisingchildren.net.au websiteAlcohol | Your FertilityLearn why avoiding alcohol consumption is recommend for a successful pregnancy. Visit our website to find out more.Read more on Your Fertility website