Q&A: Alcohol during pregnancy

You’ve just discovered that you’re pregnant and might be wondering if the occasional glass of wine is still okay. Regrettably, it’s not. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on enjoying yourself. Let’s delve into our Q&A to understand why alcohol isn’t safe during pregnancy, the associated risks, and possible alternatives.

The answer is unequivocal: No, it’s not safe to consume alcohol when you’re expecting. This is the most cautious and responsible stance, and we’re confident you can adhere to it. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can result in significant complications for both you and your unborn child. The risks increase with the amount consumed.

When you drink alcohol during pregnancy, the toxin travels through the placenta to your baby. Since your baby’s liver isn’t fully developed, it can’t effectively filter any amount of alcohol. This implies that there is no safe quantity. Here are some common risks for your unborn baby:

• In the initial three months, there’s a heightened risk of miscarriage.
• Alcohol consumption affects fetal development, particularly brain development.
• Alcohol passing through your system impacts the placenta’s function, potentially causing fetal growth restriction—an ailment where the baby doesn’t attain the proper growth.
• Alcohol intake during pregnancy increases the likelihood of premature labour and birth.
• It can result in stillbirth.
• There’s a risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a serious condition that poses additional hazards for your baby.

Fetal alcohol syndrome, or FAS, is an uncommon condition that arises due to heavy maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Babies afflicted with FAS exhibit facial abnormalities, heart irregularities, poor growth, and severe mental and developmental challenges.

In most cases, that’s generally okay. The crucial aspect is to cease alcohol consumption as soon as you become aware of your pregnancy. You can discuss this further with your doctor or midwife.

Many women naturally avoid alcohol during their initial trimester due to morning sickness. If you’re not averse to the idea, you could opt for non-alcoholic beer or wine. Nowadays, there are numerous alternatives with comparable tastes, making it hard to discern the difference. Always verify the alcohol percentage in any beverage, as even those labelled as non-alcoholic might contain up to 0.50%.

If you’re contemplating pregnancy, it’s highly recommended to refrain from alcohol during conception and beyond. If either partner is consuming alcohol heavily while trying to conceive, it could potentially hinder the conception process.