Many of us enjoy a drink after a tough day or a few drinks on a night out with friends. But now that you’re pregnant or thinking of having a baby, does any and all alcohol have to be thrown out of the window?

There’s some conflicting advice when it comes to alcohol and pregnancy, so let’s dive in and find out what the researched, medical advice really is.

Is it safe to drink alcohol whilst pregnant?

The fact is, that experts still aren’t sure exactly how much alcohol – if any – is safe for your baby whilst you’re pregnant. Therefore, the safest approach is to simply cut it out entirely.

But why exactly is this? Why is alcohol unsafe for an in-utero baby?

How can alcohol affect my baby?

When a pregnant mother drinks alcohol, it passes through their blood, into the placenta, and eventually to the baby. While our adult bodies are capable of processing alcohol (at least for the most part), a baby’s body can not. This is because the liver is one of the last organs to develop. So, alcohol exposure poses several risks, including miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight.

Drinking during pregnancy can also result in a serious condition known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorder. This can lead to:

Learning and behavioural problems.
Poor joints, bone, organ and muscle development.
Problems with hyperactivity and impulse control.
Problems communicating.

While it’s recommended that pregnant mothers refrain from drinking entirely, the fact is, the more you drink, the greater the risk.

But how do you keep from drinking?

How do I avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy?

A lot of women will actually go off the taste of alcohol once they become pregnant, so you may find that it’s easier than originally expected. However, if you do still enjoy the taste, there are plenty of great non-alcoholic beers and spirits out there. There are also helplines and counselling services to help you cut alcohol out for the time being.

If you have consumed alcohol and you’re at all concerned, speak to a medical professional.

Must I stop drinking alcohol when pregnant?