In pregnancy, there is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink. The safest option is to abstain completely from alcohol during pregnancy, including early pregnancy before you know you’re pregnant, as there is evidence that any amount can harm fetal development. If alcohol is consumed, it passes through the placenta to the fetus, and higher intake increases the risk of miscarriage, fetal growth problems, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). For individualized guidance and support, discuss your plans or current drinking with a healthcare provider. Key takeaways
- No established safe level: Any amount can potentially cause harm to the developing baby. If you could be pregnant, aiming for abstinence is recommended.
- Early pregnancy risks: Alcohol exposure even before a pregnancy is confirmed can affect fetal development.
- Binge and heavy drinking are particularly risky: Large amounts in a short period markedly raise the risk of adverse outcomes.
- Talking to professionals helps: Open conversations with your obstetrician, midwife, or primary care clinician can provide tailored guidance and support resources.
If you’d like, share your location or preferred language and I can summarize the current guidelines from reputable local health authorities and provide practical tips for maintaining an alcohol-free pregnancy.