Planning A Baby? Time To Quit Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is a topic of concern for prospective parents, and for good reason. Excessive drinking can negatively impact fertility in both men and women, and there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Alcohol use during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It can also cause a range of lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities in the child, known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Therefore, it is generally recommended that both partners cut down on drinking or quit altogether when trying for a baby to improve their fertility and the overall health of the child.

Alcohol consumption by both partners can affect fertility

Alcohol consumption by either partner can affect fertility and the health of the baby. While the focus is often on the woman's relationship with alcohol before and during pregnancy, men's alcohol consumption also plays a role. Research has found that if a couple lives together and the male partner drinks, there is a higher chance that the woman will drink alcohol before and during the pregnancy. This may be because drinking with a partner provides a sense of social connection.

Heavy drinking, defined as consuming more than 14 units of alcohol per week, can make it more difficult to conceive for both men and women. In men, heavy drinking can affect sperm DNA, reducing fertility and the potential to conceive. For women, heavy drinking can contribute to period problems, such as heavy, irregular, or absent periods, which can make it harder to get pregnant due to irregular ovulation.

Quitting or cutting back on alcohol can improve fertility and overall health. It can also reduce the risk of potential negative outcomes for the baby, such as congenital heart disease, and improve the expectant parents' sleep quality, energy levels, and concentration. There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and drinking can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Alcohol can also cause a range of lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities in the child, known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).

If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption or are dependent on alcohol, it is important to seek professional advice and support.

There is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy

When planning a pregnancy, both partners should consider quitting alcohol. Research has shown that a baby's health is influenced by both the mother and the father. Alcohol can affect sperm DNA, in some cases reducing fertility and the potential to conceive.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol. There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Drinking during pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby, and the more you drink, the greater the risk. When you drink, alcohol passes from your blood through the placenta to your baby and can seriously affect its development. Your baby does not have a fully developed liver and cannot process alcohol.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and your baby having a low birth weight. It can also affect your baby after they are born. Drinking during pregnancy can cause your baby to develop a serious lifelong condition called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) or fetal alcohol syndrome. The risk is likely to be greater the more you drink.

If you drank alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, try not to worry unnecessarily. The risks of your baby being affected are likely to be low. However, it is best to stop drinking alcohol as soon as you find out you are pregnant. If you have difficulty stopping drinking, talk to a midwife, doctor, or pharmacist.

Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs)

When planning for a baby, both men and women should consider quitting alcohol before and during pregnancy. Research has shown that alcohol can affect sperm DNA, reducing fertility and the potential to conceive. It can also increase the risk of negative outcomes for the baby, such as congenital heart disease.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most severe condition within the group of FASDs. It is characterised by growth deficiencies, distinct facial features, and other physical factors, in addition to central nervous system (CNS) involvement. CNS involvement can be structural, such as small brain size or alterations in specific brain regions, or functional, such as cognitive and behavioural deficits, and motor and coordination problems. FAS is a permanent condition that happens when a woman consumes any amount of alcohol during pregnancy.

While there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, it is never too late to stop. Stopping alcohol use will improve the baby's health and well-being. If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption or are dependent on alcohol, you should seek professional advice and support on cutting down safely.

Drinking alcohol while pregnant can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and stillbirth

Drinking alcohol while pregnant can have severe adverse effects on the health and well-being of the baby. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and stillbirth. It is best to avoid alcohol altogether when trying for a baby.

Miscarriage is one of the most common adverse outcomes of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can disrupt the development of the fetus, leading to a higher chance of miscarriage. Alcohol use during pregnancy is also associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Preterm birth refers to babies born prematurely, before the full gestation period. Alcohol exposure can affect the growth and development of the baby, leading to premature birth and low birth weight.

Stillbirth is another serious complication that can arise from drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Stillbirth refers to the birth of a baby born without signs of life after the 24th week of pregnancy. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth by disrupting the normal development of the fetus and causing complications during pregnancy.

The effects of alcohol on the baby's development can be severe and lifelong. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are a range of behavioural, intellectual, and physical disabilities that can occur due to alcohol exposure during pregnancy. These disorders can cause abnormal facial features, growth retardation, neurodevelopmental problems, and other serious complications. The risk of these adverse outcomes is likely greater the more alcohol is consumed during pregnancy.

It is important to note that there is no known safe level or time for alcohol consumption during pregnancy. All types of alcohol, including wine, beer, and liquor, can be harmful to the developing fetus. Even drinking small amounts of alcohol can potentially harm the baby's health and well-being. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals who are pregnant or trying to conceive abstain from alcohol completely to reduce the risk of negative outcomes for the baby.

Support is available for those struggling to quit alcohol

If you are in the UK, you can refer yourself to a specialist alcohol team or contact We Are With You, a UK-wide treatment agency that helps individuals, families, and communities manage the effects of alcohol and drug misuse. You can also access local support groups to help you stay on track. SMART Recovery groups, for instance, help build motivation and offer tools and techniques to support recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is another free self-help group that involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups.

If you are in Australia, the Australian Government's Department of Health and Aged Care website offers several tips and strategies to quit drinking. It also lists several support services.

Additionally, you can try rewarding yourself with something every time you make progress. It is also important to not be too hard on yourself if you slip up every once in a while. You can also try to replace drinking with other activities, such as exercising or doing something crafty.

Frequently asked questions