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If you are pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant, you should not drink alcohol.

Why should I not drink when I am pregnant?

Advice from the Department of Health is that you should not drink at all if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. It is known that if you drink heavily you have an increased risk of miscarriage, and it may cause serious harm to the baby's growth and brain development. For example, studies have shown that:

• Pregnant women who drink more than 15 units a week have an increased risk of having a baby with a low birth weight.
• Pregnant women who drink more than 20 units a week have an increased risk of having a baby with some damage to the brain causing impaired intellect.
• Pregnant women who drink very heavily risk having a baby with 'Fetal Alcohol Syndrome'. Babies with this syndrome have brain damage, a low birth weight, and facial malformations.

However, the exact amount of alcohol that is safe during pregnancy is not known. This is why the advice is not to drink at all. The very early stages of pregnancy may be the most vulnerable time. This is why it is just as important to not drink alcohol when you are trying to become pregnant. If you do chose to drink alcohol when you are pregnant then limit it to one or two units, once or twice a week. And never get drunk.

What is a unit of alcohol

One unit of alcohol is in about half a pint of beer, or two thirds of a small glass of wine, or one small pub measure of spirits. See leaflet 'Alcohol and Sensible Drinking' for details.

Further information

If you find it difficult to stop drinking alcohol, then seek advice and help from your practice nurse, midwife or GP.
Department of Health - The Pregnancy Book go to their website - www.dh.gov.uk - and search for 'Pregnancy Book'.Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Aware UK - www.fasaware.co.uk A website designed to raise awareness, give informed choice, provide information and support for people affected by, or interested in, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS and PiP have used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

© EMIS and PiP 2007 Updated: 18 Jun 2007 DocID: 4793 Version: 38

Read on for info about pregnancy scans and screenings

Get more info on pregnancy and alcohol:

• Should you drink when pregnant?
• Read one mum's story about alcohol and pregnancy

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