Can Pregnant Women Drink Wine? Is It Ever Okay?

Here at Kidadl, we know how much there is to think about when you find out you're expecting.

There's a mix of emotions, a shopping list as long as your arm and so many questions, from pregnancy day one right through to imagining what it will be like when your baby eventually makes an appearance!

So whether you're looking for pre-pregnancy advice like what to do when you find out you're pregnant or practical newborn guidance around issues like blocked tear ducts in infants, Kidadl is here to help.

We have plenty of articles packed with easy-to-read information that covers all of the essentials and, as parents ourselves, we pride ourselves on bringing you compassion and support, whether this is a first-time pregnancy or your fifth!

We know that a big question a lot of women have during pregnancy is whether they can enjoy a glass of wine or two.

There are a lot of opinions out there, but what are the facts? Read on for the unbiased truth about pregnancy and alcohol.

‍

Can Pregnant Women Drink Wine?

It is not illegal for expectant mothers to drink alcohol during pregnancy so, although technically you can, the question becomes whether or not you should. All governing bodies, obstetricians and gynecologists, and medical organizations advise against drinking alcohol while pregnant because of the proven health risks to your unborn child.

Different types of alcohol all present the same potential problems. The health of your unborn baby is just as much at risk if you were to drink red wine while pregnant as if you were to drink beer.

The danger is in the alcohol itself, and the amount of alcohol consumed, not in the type.

There are also no official studies to say how much alcohol might be a safe amount to drink whilst pregnant (as no one can ask a pregnant woman to take part in a test like that! ), so there are no definitive figures that say certain amounts of alcohol are fine, and certain amounts put your health at risk.

It is widely felt that moderate alcohol consumption, such as the occasional glass of wine, is safe because the risks of drinking increase as the amount of alcohol you consume increases. For example, we know that binge drinking will present a significant health risk. However, the only way to eliminate the health risk entirely is to avoid alcohol altogether.

If you are concerned that you are unable to give up drinking during your pregnancy, or addiction or dependency has been raised by a family member, speak with your midwife or health practitioner. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and they will be able to support you in stopping drinking safely.

What Is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (often shortened to FASD) is the overarching name for a group of conditions that can be suffered by a baby when its mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy. The three types of FASD are fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, and alcohol-related birth defects.

When an expectant mother drinks large amounts of alcohol during her pregnancy, the alcohol in her blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord and placenta. This causes damage because a baby is unable to process alcohol in the same way that adults can.

Alcohol absorbed by the baby can cause damage to cells within the brain and spinal cord, as well as other parts of the body, and can disrupt or stunt normal development, resulting in low birth weight and often a smaller than average head.

FASD results in lifelong implications, as the cell damage that is caused is permanent.

The consequences of FASD are broad and can include physical problems, such as distinctive facial features that include small eyes and unusual lips; issues with balance, movement, vision, and hearing; and damage to key organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.

FASD can also lead to behavioral symptoms, such as issues with concentration and attention, and learning disabilities, including problems with speech, social skills, and memory.

In severe cases, the damage caused by FASD in the womb can result in the loss of the pregnancy.

A person with FASD may experience one of these outcomes, or a combination of all of them, depending on the severity of the condition. FASD is incurable, but there are different types of treatment and support available, depending on the affected child.

Can Pregnant Women Drink Wine In Mass?

Drinking wine while pregnant presents a health risk, whether that be for religious practice or otherwise. As mentioned above, medical professionals unanimously advise against drinking while pregnant, although small amounts of alcohol may be safe.

If you attend church infrequently, you might be comfortable with drinking an occasional glass of wine at mass. However, if you're a regular attendee at mass, that odd glass of red wine will become a permanent fixture, and that may well pose a health risk.

If you're worried about drinking wine during mass, speak to your priest or religious leader and share your concerns. They should be happy to help and either temporarily adjust your typical religious practice or provide an alcohol-free alternative.

Drinking Before You Know You're Pregnant

This can often be a huge source of anxiety for expectant parents, especially when a pregnancy is unplanned. Ideally, if you are actively trying to conceive, you should avoid alcohol altogether so that your baby is protected in those first weeks of pregnancy before you get a positive test result.

However, if you do drink 'accidentally' during early pregnancy, don't panic! Just make sure to stop drinking as soon as your pregnancy is suspected or confirmed.

The likelihood is that your baby will be absolutely fine.

Remember that women become pregnant every day, and not every single one of them is tee-total! But do share any concerns you might have with your health practitioner, they can discuss your typical alcohol consumption with you and advise on any additional health information you might need.

What Do Obstetricians And Gynaecologists Say?

The government, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Obstetricians all strongly advise against drinking during pregnancy. The occasional glass of wine is unlikely to cause problems, but the only way to be sure and stay safe is to avoid alcohol consumption entirely in every trimester.

If you enjoy the taste of alcohol or don't want to feel left out on a special occasion, there's a huge range of alcohol-free alternatives on the market, from wine and beer to gin and even prosecco!

Depending on the drink you choose, the actual alcohol content will vary, anywhere between 0.1% to 0.5%, but these figures are low enough to be classified as alcohol-free and are safe for pregnant women (even fruit juice has a low-level alcohol content!

).

If you found this article helpful, then why not take a look at our guide to planning a baby shower for daddy or discover if you can eat goat's cheese when pregnant?

‍