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Not all birth defects can be prevented, but a woman can take some actions that increase her chance of having a healthy baby. Many birth defects happen very early in pregnancy—sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
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Remember...
About half of all pregnancies are unplanned. You can expose your baby to alcohol if you drink without knowing you are pregnant. If you are trying to become pregnant, don't drink; and if you are sexually active, be sure to use contraception.
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See your doctor and get prenatal care as soon as you think you're pregnant. It's important to see your doctor regularly throughout pregnancy, so be sure to keep all your prenatal care appointments.
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Over-the-counter cough and cold remedies may contain alcohol or other ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy. Ask your health care provider about prescription or over-the-counter drugs that you are taking or may consider taking while pregnant.
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Never be afraid to ask your doctor or health care provider questions about your health. It is better to take all precautions and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
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You should stop using alcohol during your pregnancy or if you are planning to become pregnant. This includes anything that contains alcohol—beer, wine, mixed drinks, and wine coolers. Keep in mind that there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during your pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions about pregnancy and alcohol consumption:
Can I drink alcohol when I am pregnant?
No. Do not drink alcohol when you are pregnant. This includes any alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, or mixed drinks. Alcohol is a substance known to be harmful to human development. The alcohol the mother drinks reaches the blood supply of the baby, and can cause permanent defects to the major organs and central nervous system.
Is there any kind of alcohol I can drink during pregnancy?
No. Drinking any kind of alcohol can hurt your baby. Alcoholic drinks can include beer, wine, liquor, wine coolers, or mixed drinks.
What if I am pregnant and have been drinking?
If you drank alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, stop drinking now. Anytime a pregnant woman stops drinking, she decreases the risk of harm to the baby. If you are trying to get pregnant, do not drink alcohol. You may not know you are pregnant right away.
What if I drank during my last pregnancy and my baby was fine?
Every pregnancy is different. Drinking alcohol may hurt one baby more than another. You could have one child who is born healthy, and another child who is born with problems.
Why should I stop drinking during my pregnancy?
You should stop drinking because drinking alcohol during pregnancy may lead to life long deficits for your child. These deficits can be physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning deficits. Alcohol exposure can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) or fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). See this link for more information.
What if a friend, partner, spouse, or family member is drinking while pregnant?
Many women are unaware of the consequences of drinking during pregnancy. Some women believe wine or beer is not alcohol. In many cases, she may be suffering from alcoholism. She may need to know what effects alcohol can have on the baby. She may also need help getting into treatment. In such cases, you should contact a treatment professional at a local addiction center for advice on how to help her. There are many different options for treatment. Please see this site for some listings in your state.
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