Alcohol and Pregnancy: Your Questions Answered

Maybe you've been trying to conceive for months and are hoping this is the month. Or perhaps your period is a few days late, and you're starting to wonder. Either way, you buy a pregnancy test, rush home, follow the instructions, and… it's positive!

Suddenly, your mind starts racing. When was your last drink? Was it last week? Yesterday? What if you drank during the two-week wait? What does this mean for your baby? Here, we explore the 10 most common questions about drinking before or during pregnancy.

Alcohol and Pregnancy: A Sensitive Subject

We've all heard that you shouldn't drink during pregnancy, but how seriously should you take this warning? According to the CDC and other global health organizations, zero really does mean zero when it comes to alcohol and pregnancy.

Yet statistics show reality is more complex. The NIAAA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that nearly 1 in 10 pregnant women admit to current alcohol use, about 1 in 22 report binge drinking, and about 40% of those who drink also use other substances.

Sometimes the best way to approach a difficult topic is by asking honest questions. Let's explore the 10 most common ones:

1. What Are the Risks of Drinking While Pregnant?

The biggest question concerns the risks of drinking during pregnancy. Here's what you need to know:

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – This is the most serious problem related to drinking during pregnancy. FAS involves physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments due to prenatal alcohol exposure. Characteristic facial features include a thin upper lip, smooth area under the nose, flattened nose bridge, and distinctive eye folds. FAS often comes with developmental delays and behavioral problems, affecting 1–5% of first graders in the U.S.
• Risk of Miscarriage – Drinking during early pregnancy increases miscarriage risk. Research shows that risk rises with each week of alcohol exposure in the first trimester, even at low consumption levels and excluding binge drinking.

2. What About Drinking After Conception But Before Implantation?

Drinking after conception but before implantation isn't recommended. At this stage, the blastocyst (a cluster of rapidly dividing cells) is forming. Drinking during this time may prevent the blastocyst from implanting in the uterus, ending the pregnancy before you even know you're pregnant.

3. What About Drinking During the "Two-Week Wait"?

The two-week wait—the period between ovulation and your expected period—can feel endless if you're hoping to conceive. Guidelines are clear: there's no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy, and this includes the two-week wait. Alcohol can cause problems for the developing baby throughout pregnancy, including before you know you're pregnant.

4. "I Drank Before I Knew I Was Pregnant—What Do I Do?"

If you drank before realizing you were pregnant, you're not alone. Many women don't find out they're pregnant until weeks or even months along. The key is to do your best moving forward. Once you know, stop drinking. Don't feel ashamed—talk to your doctor if concerned, take prenatal vitamins with folic acid, and keep up with obstetric appointments.

5. Can a Pregnant Woman Drink Wine?

While wine is part of many cultures and diets, it's not different from other alcohols during pregnancy. Recent studies confirm that no amount of alcohol is safe, and experts agree that wine should be avoided entirely during pregnancy.

6. What About Having a Glass of Wine While Pregnant?

Some people still view wine as safer or more acceptable than other alcohols. You might even hear well-meaning advice like, "A glass now and then is fine." However, research confirms that wine is alcohol, and no amount is safe during pregnancy.

7. What About Drinking While Trying to Conceive?

Alcohol can lower fertility and reduce your chances of conceiving. Studies show that women who drink two bottles of wine per week (or the equivalent) experience an 18% drop in fecundity (ability to conceive). For couples undergoing fertility treatment, drinking can further reduce success rates.

8. Can Alcohol Affect a Pregnancy Test?

No, alcohol is unlikely to affect a pregnancy test. These tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a pregnancy hormone. The chemical reaction that identifies HCG is straightforward—alcohol doesn't interfere with the result. However, if the test is positive, it's best to avoid alcohol from that point forward.

9. Should My Partner Stop Drinking If We're Trying to Conceive?

Recent research shows that a partner's drinking can also affect pregnancy and fetal health. Studies indicate that potential fathers' alcohol habits can influence fetal development and IVF outcomes. It takes at least a month for sperm to recover from alcohol-related oxidative stress, so if you're trying to conceive, both partners should consider avoiding alcohol.

10. What If I'm Struggling to Stay Sober While Pregnant?

If you're finding it hard to avoid alcohol during pregnancy, you're not alone. It takes courage to admit this challenge. Help is available—talk to your doctor, consider therapy or support groups like Quitemate, and explore treatment options if needed. Every alcohol-free day significantly improves your baby's chances for a healthy brain and life.

Alcohol and Your Pregnancy Journey

Pregnancy is a unique time filled with emotions, hopes, and questions. It's natural to worry about what's best for you and your baby. Remember, no pregnancy goes exactly as planned—and neither does parenting. The key is to do your best with the information available and be kind to yourself along the way. Best of luck on your journey!