Alcohol During Pregnancy: Risks, Effects on Your Baby and What You Need to Know

Cradle of Nutrition

November 9, 2026
7 minutes read

Pregnancy brings many changes, including decisions about food, drinks and everyday habits. One important question many expectant parents have is whether it is safe to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Can you have an occasional glass of wine? Is a small beer harmless? What if you drank alcohol before you knew you were pregnant?

The medical advice is clear: there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, and no safe time to drink alcohol while pregnant. The safest choice is to avoid alcohol completely when trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy.

Alcohol can pass from the pregnant person’s bloodstream through the placenta to the developing baby. Exposure may affect the baby’s growth and development, including the brain and nervous system.

If you drank alcohol before discovering you were pregnant, try not to panic or blame yourself. It does not automatically mean your baby has been harmed. The important thing is to avoid further alcohol exposure and speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

In this article, we explain the risks of alcohol during pregnancy, how it can affect your baby, and what to do if you have already been drinking.

Can You Drink Alcohol During Pregnancy?

No amount of alcohol has been established as safe during pregnancy. Health organisations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Health Service (NHS) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), recommend avoiding alcohol completely.

This advice applies to all alcoholic drinks, including:

Red and white wine
Beer and cider
Champagne and sparkling wine
Spirits such as vodka, gin, whisky and rum
Cocktails and mixed drinks
Alcohol-containing ready-to-drink beverages

There is also no particular trimester when drinking alcohol is considered safe. Your baby’s brain and other organs continue developing throughout pregnancy, so alcohol exposure may have effects at different stages.

The safest approach is to avoid alcohol when trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy, including the weeks before you know you are pregnant.

How Does Alcohol Affect Your Baby During Pregnancy?

When you drink alcohol, it enters your bloodstream and can pass through the placenta to your developing baby.

The placenta plays an essential role in pregnancy by delivering oxygen and nutrients to your baby. However, it does not prevent alcohol from reaching the developing fetus.

You can learn more about how this important organ works in our article, The Placenta: Function and Health During Pregnancy.

A developing baby’s liver is not mature enough to process alcohol in the same way as an adult’s liver. Alcohol exposure can therefore interfere with the normal development of the baby’s brain, organs and body systems.

Why Is Alcohol Harmful to a Developing Baby?

Alcohol can affect several areas of development, particularly the brain and central nervous system.

Possible effects associated with alcohol exposure during pregnancy include:

Problems with brain and nervous system development
Difficulties with learning, memory and attention
Behavioural and emotional challenges
Poor growth before or after birth
Certain physical and developmental differences
Increased risks of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth

The effects can vary considerably. Not every baby exposed to alcohol will develop an alcohol-related condition, but it is not possible to predict in advance which babies may be affected.

This is why avoiding alcohol completely is the safest recommendation.

What Are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that can occur when a baby is exposed to alcohol before birth.

FASDs can affect physical development, learning, behaviour and everyday functioning. The effects differ from person to person and may range from mild to more significant.

Possible difficulties include:

Problems with attention and concentration
Learning and memory difficulties
Speech and language delays
Challenges with problem-solving
Difficulties managing emotions and behaviour
Social and communication difficulties
Problems with coordination and motor skills
Growth and physical development differences

Some children may have noticeable physical features, while others may have difficulties that become more apparent as they grow older and face more complex learning and social demands.

FASDs can have lifelong effects, and some children need additional educational, medical or social support.

There is no single test during pregnancy that can reliably predict whether a baby will develop FASDs. The most effective way to prevent alcohol-related fetal effects is to avoid alcohol exposure during pregnancy.

Does Alcohol Affect Your Baby in the First Trimester?

Yes. Alcohol exposure can be harmful at any stage of pregnancy, including the first few weeks.

During the first trimester, important organs and body systems begin to form. Alcohol exposure during this period may interfere with normal development.

However, your baby’s brain continues developing throughout pregnancy. Alcohol exposure during the second and third trimesters may also affect growth and brain development.

There is no trimester when drinking alcohol is considered safe.

If you drank alcohol before finding out you were pregnant, remember that an isolated exposure does not automatically mean your baby has been harmed. Stop drinking and speak with your healthcare provider if you are worried.

What If You Drank Alcohol Before You Knew You Were Pregnant?

Many pregnancies are not discovered until several weeks after conception. It is therefore possible to have consumed alcohol before knowing that you were pregnant.

If this has happened to you, you are not alone. It is understandable to feel worried, but try not to let guilt or fear overwhelm you.

Here are some practical steps:

Stop drinking alcohol. Avoid further alcohol exposure for the rest of your pregnancy.
Speak with your healthcare provider. Explain approximately how much you drank, how often and when. This information can help them give you appropriate advice.
Continue your routine pregnancy care. Attend your antenatal appointments and recommended checks.
Ask questions if you are worried. Your midwife or doctor can discuss your concerns and advise whether any additional support is needed.

A small amount of alcohol on one isolated occasion before you knew you were pregnant does not automatically mean your baby has been harmed. The most important step is to avoid alcohol from now on.

You do not need to manage these worries alone. Healthcare professionals are there to support you, not judge you.

What About Alcohol-Free Beer and Wine During Pregnancy?

Alcohol-free drinks may be an alternative if you miss the taste or social experience of having a drink.

However, it is important to check the label carefully. Products described as alcohol-free, non-alcoholic or low-alcohol may have different definitions and permitted alcohol contents depending on the country.

Some products may contain small amounts of alcohol.

If you want to avoid alcohol completely, choose drinks clearly labelled 0.0% alcohol. You can also enjoy alternatives such as sparkling water, fruit drinks, mocktails and other alcohol-free beverages.

When in doubt, check the product information or choose a different drink.

Can You Eat Food Cooked With Alcohol During Pregnancy?

Some recipes contain wine, beer or spirits, which can raise questions about whether the finished dish is safe to eat.

Alcohol does not always disappear completely during cooking. The amount remaining depends on factors such as the cooking method, temperature, cooking time and whether the dish is covered.

For example, alcohol may remain in:

Sauces made with wine or spirits
Desserts containing uncooked alcohol
Some marinades and dressings
Dishes where alcohol is added shortly before serving
Flambéed foods

If you are unsure how much alcohol remains in a dish, choosing an alternative prepared without alcohol is the simplest option.

For homemade meals, you can usually replace wine or spirits with suitable alternatives such as stock, fruit juice or other ingredients that provide flavour without alcohol.

Alcohol and Pregnancy: How Is It Different From Smoking?

Alcohol is not the only substance that can affect a baby’s development during pregnancy. Smoking also exposes the developing baby to harmful substances and is associated with pregnancy and birth complications.

Both alcohol and smoking are important topics to discuss with your healthcare provider, particularly if you need help changing habits or stopping.

For more information, read our guide: Smoking and Pregnancy.

Your healthcare provider can help you find practical, supportive ways to make healthier choices during pregnancy.

What If You Find It Difficult to Stop Drinking?

For some people, avoiding alcohol is straightforward. For others, it can be much harder, particularly if they drink regularly or have developed an alcohol dependence.

If you are pregnant and finding it difficult to stop drinking, speak with your midwife, doctor or another healthcare professional as soon as possible. You do not need to wait until your next routine appointment to ask for help.

If you may be physically dependent on alcohol, do not try to manage withdrawal on your own. Suddenly stopping after heavy or prolonged drinking can cause serious withdrawal symptoms and may require medically supervised care.

Healthcare professionals can help you make a safe plan and connect you with appropriate treatment and support.

If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, hallucinations or severe confusion, seek emergency medical help.

Asking for help is a positive step for both you and your baby. You deserve compassionate, confidential support throughout your pregnancy.

Other Healthy Choices to Consider During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a good opportunity to review your daily habits and make choices that support your health and your baby’s development. Alongside avoiding alcohol, there are other ways to look after yourself and support a healthy pregnancy.

Explore our guides for more practical advice:

Smoking and Pregnancy: Learn how smoking can affect your pregnancy and where to find help with quitting.
Traveling While Pregnant: Planning a holiday or a trip? Read our guide for practical advice about travelling comfortably and safely during pregnancy.
Staying Active During Pregnancy: Discover the benefits of physical activity during pregnancy, which exercises may be suitable and how to stay active safely.
The Placenta: Function and Health During Pregnancy: Understand how the placenta supports your baby’s growth and development.
Infections During Pregnancy: Learn about common infections during pregnancy, how they may affect you and your baby, and how to reduce your risk.

Making informed lifestyle choices can help you feel more confident, supported and prepared throughout your pregnancy.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have consumed alcohol during pregnancy or are concerned about alcohol dependence, speak with your healthcare provider.

Medical Sources and Further Reading

by Erika Barabás