Drinking alcohol while pregnant

Effects on child development from alcohol in breast milk are not well studied. One study suggested problems with motor development following exposure to alcohol in breast milk, but other studies did not show the same results. Some reports found that babies exposed to alcohol through breast milk may eat less and/or have changes in their sleeping patterns. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms, contact the child’s healthcare provider.

This website is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $6,000,000 with zero percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. If you would like to talk to someone about your drinking, you can speak to your midwife, obstetrician, practice nurse, GP or health visitor. Once they know how you are feeling and why you are drinking, the person you tell will be in a better position to offer you the right help and information. If you do choose to drink, it is safest not to drink more than 14 units per week and best to spread your drinks evenly during the week.

Related MedlinePlus Health Topics

Pregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcohol during pregnancy. The most important thing is that you have completely stopped alcohol use after learning of your pregnancy. Because brain growth takes place throughout pregnancy, stopping alcohol use will improve the baby’s health and well-being. People who are nursing can speak with a healthcare professional about how much alcohol is safe to drink.

• Some reports found that babies exposed to alcohol through breast milk may eat less and/or have changes in their sleeping patterns.
• This information is for you if you are pregnant or are planning to have a baby.
• This website offers publications, research, training, and resources related to drug use and addiction.

Animal Studies of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

This is of concern because among women who consume alcohol during thepregnancy, the majority continues to drink throughout their lactation period. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or fetal alcohol syndrome, a severe, irreversible developmental condition. It looks at whether it is safe to drink alcohol during pregnancy and how it affects the unborn baby. Women who are pregnant or who are trying to get pregnant should avoid drinking any amount of alcohol.

The CDC advises that there is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy and that individuals need to avoid it altogether. Studies indicate that FASD can have lifelong implications and is irreversible. However, people can avoid it by abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a treatment facility locator. This locator helps people find treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories.

Interventions for Women to Stop Drinking

Those with alcohol-related birth defect can have structuralabnormalities of the heart, kidneys, and bones.

Either partner drinking heavily while trying to become pregnant, can make it more difficult to conceive. Pregnant women with alcoholism should join an alcohol abuse rehabilitation program. If you did not know you were pregnant and drank alcohol, stop drinking as soon as you learn you are pregnant. The sooner you stop drinking alcohol, the healthier your baby will be. There is no known “safe” amount of alcohol use during pregnancy.

• If you would like to talk to someone about your drinking, you can speak to your midwife, obstetrician, practice nurse, GP or health visitor.
• The Navigator helps adults find alcohol treatment for themselves or an adult loved one.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that there is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant.
• However, in some instances, the effects of heavy drinking on your baby cannot be reversed.

Talk to your baby’s healthcare provider about your alcohol use during pregnancy. They can evaluate your child after birth for any effects from alcohol and continue to monitor for learning and behavioral issues as the child gets older. Although FASD cannot be cured, children can benefit from an early diagnosis and services. Your child’s healthcare provider can talk with you about what is available for families and children with problems related to alcohol exposure in pregnancy. It is difficult to diagnose FASD because there is no biological test andother disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and Williamssyndrome have similar symptoms.

Links to other organizations

The only way to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome is to not drink alcohol during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol late in pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. Symptoms of withdrawal can include involuntary shaking movements (tremors), increased muscle tone, restlessness, and excessive crying. Talk with your healthcare providers about any alcohol use in pregnancy so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them. Drinking alcohol may increase the chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37) and for the fetus to be smaller than expected. Studies have reported higher rates of stillbirth among women who drink alcohol during pregnancy.

STANDARD DRINK

At your antenatal appointment, your midwife will ask you about your medical history and your lifestyle. Within this information we may use the terms ‘woman’ and ‘women’. However, we know that it is Alcohol During Pregnancy not only people who identify as women who may want to access this information. Your care should be appropriate, inclusive and sensitive to your needs whatever your gender identity. These medical problems are lifelong and can range from mild to severe.

Additionally, over 6% of those who drank alcohol before being pregnant did not change their alcohol intake when they found out. NIAAA supports and conducts biomedical and behavioral research on the causes, consequences, treatment, and prevention of alcohol-related problems. This website includes publications and information, such as the “Alcohol and Your Pregnancy” brochure, which is available both in English and Spanish. The Navigator helps adults find alcohol treatment for themselves or an adult loved one.

You could have one child who is born healthy and another child who is born with problems. There is no known safe amount of alcohol use during your pregnancy or when you are trying to get pregnant. It is unsafe for people to consume any amount of alcohol during pregnancy.

If you have difficulty stopping drinking, talk to a midwife, doctor or pharmacist. Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby, with the more you drink, the greater the risk. Stopping alcohol use will improve the baby’s health and well-being. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.