Making Informed Choices: Understanding Alcohol Risks During Pregnancy
There’s a lot of information out there about pregnancy and alcohol, and it can feel overwhelming. The simplest guideline, based on research, is this: avoiding alcohol during pregnancy is the safest choice for both you and your baby.
Pregnancy can be an emotional and sometimes stressful time. If you’ve ever thought about having a drink to unwind, you’re not alone! Even though drinking while pregnant might feel tempting, staying alcohol-free is one way to give your baby the best chance for a healthy start. Having more knowledge about how alcohol can affect the development of the fetus can help you feel more confident in saying “no” to that drink.
How Alcohol Affects Baby’s Development
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy, even in small amounts, can affect both you and your baby’s health. Alcohol use has been linked to higher risks of miscarriage, early birth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Alcohol can also cause long-lasting issues for your baby, called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which can make learning, behavior, and physical development more challenging as they grow up.
How Alcohol Affects Baby’s Development
Understanding Pregnancy Stages and Alcohol Risks
Pregnancy is usually divided into two main stages: the embryonic stage (the first eight weeks) and the fetal stage (from week nine onward). In the embryonic stage, the basic structure of the body and organs are built. In the fetal stage, the baby’s body and organs grow and develop quickly. Here’s how alcohol can affect these stages:
Weeks 1-2: The First Steps
During the first two weeks after fertilization, alcohol consumption doesn’t directly affect the embryo because there is no connection to the maternal blood supply yet. However, heavy drinking during this time can affect the egg’s implantation, sometimes leading to early pregnancy loss. If you’re planning a pregnancy or aren’t sure yet if you’re pregnant, skipping alcohol during these early weeks can help get things off to a good start.
Weeks 3-12: Sensitive Development Period
At three weeks, the embryo starts connecting with the mother’s blood, and alcohol can reach the baby. This time is very sensitive since the baby’s brain, heart, and other organs are starting to form. Drinking alcohol now can increase the chances of physical and developmental issues, like abnormal facial features, heart problems, and slower brain development. Together, these effects are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which can include learning and behavioral challenges. Beyond the physical issues, FASD can cause intellectual and behavioral problems that don’t appear until later in childhood.
Weeks 13-40: Growth and Final Development
In this later phase, the baby is rapidly growing and developing in many areas. When a pregnant woman drinks, alcohol travels through the blood and bathes the baby’s blood, tissues, and organs. Unlike adults, alcohol breaks down much slower in babies in utero. These are some of the long-term effects of prenatal drinking:
Immune System: Making the baby more vulnerable to infections
Heart and Blood System: Potential heart problems, like arrhythmias and a predisposition for cardiovascular disease
Muscles and Bones: Slower muscle growth and problems with bone strength
Neurological: Difficulties with learning, behavior, attention, memory, and language skills
Even though the chances of FASD grow the more alcohol is consumed, research shows that even moderate drinking (like one drink a day) can have organ development risks. Every stage has its own impacts, so avoiding alcohol at any time is a powerful way to help your baby develop as healthily as possible.
Guidelines from Health Organizations
Health organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree that pregnant people should avoid alcohol completely. Across the board, these organizations, who are at the leading edge of medical research, advise an alcohol zero-tolerance in pregnancy approach. Here are their main recommendations:
Alcohol use is harmful at any time in pregnancy
No amount or type of alcohol is safe
All types of alcohol can be harmful, including wine, beer, and spirits
According to the CDC, more than 3 million women in the United States are at risk for exposing their developing baby. CDC recognizes that at least half of all US pregnancies are unplanned and that, even when planned, most women do not realize they are pregnant until they are at 4-6 weeks. This organization states that 100% of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are completely preventable by avoiding alcohol completely if you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Guidelines from Health Organizations
MyDry30: A Supportive Resource for Pregnant Women
Whether you’re taking a break from alcohol or committing to a full change, MyDry30 will help you. We support pregnant women and those planning pregnancies who understand how important an alcohol-free lifestyle is for a healthy pregnancy and baby.
While talking to your healthcare provider or ob-gyn is your primary resource, MyDry30 serves to help you manage craving, set goals, and help you to gain community support. Humans are social by nature, and we need communal support to help us manage and relieve stress. Our program offers a health-focused and supportive environment for expectant mothers.
In our alcohol abstinence program, know you’re not alone and are surrounded by friends who want the best for you and your life inside of you. Here, you can discover strategies on how to make mindful choices in pregnancy and where to seek knowledge and support.
MyDry30: A Supportive Resource for Pregnant Women
Conclusion
If you’re pregnant, know that alcohol-free pregnancy support is within your reach. Ask your partner, family, and friends to embrace your choice not to drink during pregnancy or while you’re trying to get pregnant. More importantly, talk to your healthcare provider or ob-gyn about resources for help if you feel you’re unable to stop drinking on your own.
We can't emphasize enough how important it is that pregnant women or those who are trying to get pregnant abstain from alcohol completely. As we have stated several times, alcohol use while pregnant can lead to lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities. The solution is simple: no alcohol while pregnant.
When we prioritize maternal safety and use resources like MyDry30 to enhance pregnancy health, we empower women to choose an alcohol-free pregnancy characterized by the best in maternal health and well-being.
If you’re pregnant and are having a difficult time with not drinking alcohol, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or ob-gyn about getting help. Other resources are the Alcoholics Anonymous website at www.aa.org or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s treatment referral line at 800-662-HELP (4357).
