Discovering you’re pregnant can bring a whirlwind of emotions and questions. One of the most common concerns many women face is: can you drink while pregnant? Whether you enjoyed a glass of wine before realizing you were expecting or you’re wondering about alcohol consumption during pregnancy, you’re not alone in seeking answers.
At Choices Resource Center, we understand that pregnancy brings many uncertainties, and we’re here to provide you with accurate, judgment-free information about alcohol during pregnancy.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about drinking alcohol while pregnant and how to protect your health and increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Understanding Alcohol and Pregnancy: The Basic Facts
The relationship between alcohol and pregnancy is straightforward: there is no known safe type or amount of alcohol that is safe to drink during pregnancy.[1]
When you drink alcohol while pregnant, it passes through your bloodstream directly to the developing fetus through the placenta. Since the fetus’s liver isn’t fully developed, they cannot process alcohol the way you can, making even small amounts potentially harmful. This is why healthcare professionals recommend avoiding alcohol completely throughout pregnancy.
Can Alcohol Affect Pregnancy Test Results?
Alcohol itself won’t cause a false positive or negative result. However, alcohol consumption can cause dehydration, leading you to drink more water. This could dilute your urine, making it difficult for the pregnancy test to detect your hCG levels, and potentially produce an inaccurate result.[2]
For the most accurate results, wait until your body returns to normal hydration levels before testing.
Don’t want to take this first step alone? Consider visiting Choices Resource Center. We offer free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds so that you can confirm your pregnancy in a confidential, compassionate environment.
The Risks: Why No Amount of Alcohol Is Safe During Pregnancy
Even moderate drinking during pregnancy can lead to serious complications. Examples include:
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most severe form of FASD, occurring when a developing fetus is exposed to alcohol in the womb. Heavy drinking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of FAS, which can cause[3]:
- Facial abnormalities
- Growth deficiencies
- Intellectual disabilities and learning disorders
- Social and behavioral issues
Miscarriage and Pregnancy Complications
Research shows that alcohol and miscarriage are linked, with even moderate alcohol consumption increasing miscarriage risk.[4] Drinking while pregnant can also lead to:
- Stillbirth[5]
- Premature birth[6]
- Low birth weight[7]
What Happens If You Drank Before Knowing You Were Pregnant?
Many women worry about drinking early in pregnancy before they knew they were expecting. If you’re in this situation, try not to panic. Drinking before knowing pregnant is more common than you might think, and a small amount of alcohol in very early pregnancy is unlikely to cause significant harm.[8]
The most important step is to stop drinking immediately once you discover you’re pregnant. The sooner you stop drinking, the better for the fetus’s development.[9] Be sure to:
- Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns.
- Schedule regular prenatal appointments.
- Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle moving forward.
- Don’t dwell on past consumption. Focus on making positive choices now.
Can I Drink if I’m Planning on Getting an Abortion?
You should still avoid alcohol even if you’re considering abortion. Alcohol thins the blood, which can interfere with your body’s ability to clot and control bleeding.[10] Drinking before or after an abortion increases the risk of excessive bleeding[11], which would require emergency treatment.
Before considering abortion, we encourage you to explore all of your pregnancy options and receive an ultrasound. This will help you to make the most informed decision for your health and future.
Free Pregnancy Services in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
We understand. An unplanned pregnancy can be stressful enough without the fear that something has already gone wrong. You aren’t in this alone. Choices Resource Center provides free pregnancy services so that you can get the care and support you deserve.
Give us a call at (865) 483-0098 or schedule your appointment today.
Please be aware that Choices Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink while pregnant in the first trimester?
No, there is no safe type or amount of alcohol during any stage of pregnancy[12], including the first trimester.
What if I only have one drink occasionally during pregnancy?
Since there’s no known safe amount, it’s best to avoid alcohol completely throughout pregnancy.[13] Even one drink can potentially harm your developing fetus.
I drank heavily before I knew I was pregnant. What should I do?
While heavy drinking can increase risks, drinking a small amount of alcohol before you knew you were pregnant is not likely to cause significant harm.[14]
The most important thing is to stop drinking immediately and work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor for any issues.
Can alcohol cause a miscarriage?
Yes, alcohol consumption during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of miscarriage.[15]
What should I do if I can’t stop drinking while pregnant?
Seek help immediately from your doctor, a treatment center, or a mental health professional. Treatment options are available, and getting help is crucial for your health and safety.
Does alcohol affect pregnancy test accuracy?
Alcohol doesn’t directly affect pregnancy test results, but it can cause dehydration, leading to diluted urine that might make the test less sensitive.[16]
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. (2024, June 13). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352901
- Clearblue. (2022, September 29). Common foods and drinks: What can affect a pregnancy test result? https://www.clearblue.com/pregnancy-tests/what-can-affect-a-pregnancy-test-result#
- See source #1.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2022, January 10). Alcohol and pregnancy. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007454.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 16). About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol-pregnancy/about/index.html
- See source #4.
- See source #5.
- ACOG | American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021, December). Alcohol and Women. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/alcohol-and-women
- See source #4.
- Mayo Clinic Health System. (2023, April 14). Does drinking alcohol kill brain cells? https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/does-drinking-alcohol-kill-brain-cells
- Ballard, H. S. (1997). The Hematological Complications of Alcoholism. Alcohol Health and Research World. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826798/#
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- See source #8.
- See source #4.
- See source #2.