Expecting a baby? It's crucial to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. Find out why and get answers to some of the most common questions about alcohol use during pregnancy.

How does alcohol affect an unborn baby? Alcohol is considered a teratogen, which means it can cause developmental issues in a fetus. When a pregnant person consumes alcohol, it passes to the fetus and can disrupt the brain and organ development. This exposure may lead to a group of lifelong conditions known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).

What are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)? FASDs refer to a range of physical, developmental, behavioral, and learning challenges that result from alcohol exposure during pregnancy. The symptoms and severity can vary widely from person to person. The term includes several conditions, such as:

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS)
Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBDs)
Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)
Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE)

How common is alcohol use during pregnancy? Alcohol use during pregnancy occurs across all demographics. In the U.S., about 1 in 7 pregnant individuals report drinking alcohol in the past 30 days.

Preventing FASDs FASDs are completely preventable. The only way to prevent these conditions is to avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy. Because harm can occur even in the early weeks before you may realize you're pregnant, it’s best to avoid alcohol if you are trying to conceive or could become pregnant.

No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
No type of alcohol is risk-free during pregnancy.
No stage of pregnancy is safe for alcohol consumption.

What is a "standard drink"? A standard drink in the U.S. contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This generally means:

12 oz of beer
4 oz of wine
1 oz of liquor

Is any amount of alcohol safe during pregnancy? No amount of alcohol is considered safe while pregnant. Even small amounts can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Does more alcohol cause more harm? Yes, the more alcohol a fetus is exposed to, the greater the risk of brain and organ damage. Binge drinking, or consuming four or more drinks at once, is particularly harmful. However, even moderate drinking can have negative effects.

Is any type of alcohol safer during pregnancy? No, all types of alcohol are equally harmful during pregnancy. Beer, wine, and liquor all contain alcohol, which can harm the developing baby.

Can a partner's alcohol use lead to FASDs? FASDs are caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, not by a partner’s drinking. However, it's helpful for partners to support the pregnant person by encouraging them to abstain from alcohol.

What if I drank before I knew I was pregnant? The best step is to stop drinking as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Pregnant individuals who stop drinking have better outcomes than those who continue. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about your alcohol use, as there are many resources available to support you.

Will my baby have an FASD if I drank while pregnant? Not every baby exposed to alcohol will have an FASD. Factors such as genetics and overall health play a role in determining the impact. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider for guidance.

Is it safe to drink while trying to get pregnant? No, since many pregnancies are unplanned, alcohol consumption while trying to conceive can still expose the baby to harm.

Can FASDs be diagnosed? Diagnosing FASDs can be challenging due to the wide range of symptoms. Pediatricians and specialists will conduct thorough evaluations if an FASD is suspected.

Is there a cure for FASDs? While FASDs are lifelong conditions, early intervention can help affected children achieve better outcomes. Treatments like developmental services, behavior therapy, and educational support can improve quality of life.

Are FASDs genetic? FASDs are not hereditary. They are caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy.

What if my doctor says drinking is okay? Leading health organizations agree that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Always follow the most up-to-date medical advice to protect your baby’s health.

What resources are available if I need help stopping alcohol use? If you struggle to stop drinking, reach out to your healthcare provider, local support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for guidance and support.

This revised version is simplified and streamlined for clarity, while still providing essential information.