Pregnancy and alcohol

 Pregnancy and alcohol [PDF: 316KB]

Number FS.7.12 June 2009
for women

by the Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria

If you are pregnant and drink alcohol, the following information may assist you to have a healthy pregnancy.

There are no known safe levels of alcohol consumption in pregnancy

In the Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) have made the following recommendations:

• For women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, not drinking is the safest option.
• Women who are pregnant or might soon become pregnant:
  —should consider not drinking at all
  —should never become intoxicated
  —should note the risk is highest in the earlier stages of pregnancy.
• Reducing or ceasing your alcohol use at any stage of your pregnancy, even late pregnancy, will be of benefit to your baby and your health.

Effects on your pregnancy

Like many drugs, alcohol crosses the placenta (the afterbirth) to the developing baby and can affect your pregnancy.

• Alcohol use may be associated with the following pregnancy problems:
  —miscarriage
  —prematurity
  —small babies who are more prone to illness, slow growth and development
  —stillbirth.
• If you drink alcohol during your pregnancy there is an increased risk of birth defects, learning difficulties and behavioural problems.
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term used to describe the range of possible effects that alcohol use in pregnancy may have on the developing fetus and developing child. These include delayed development and behavioural disorders.
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a less common condition caused by excessive and regular alcohol use in pregnancy. Babies with FAS are smaller than average, have abnormal facial features and impaired intellectual and physical development.
• Alcohol use can be associated with poor appetite and nutrition. This can affect your health and your pregnancy.

Reducing the harm of alcohol use in pregnancy

Talking about your alcohol use can be difficult, particularly when you are pregnant.

• Talk to your midwife or doctor about your alcohol use as early as possible in your pregnancy.
• Information and advice can help you make the necessary changes for a healthy pregnancy.
• Seek advice from your doctor or a drug and alcohol service to assist you to cease drinking safely.
• Be assertive —say No, I am not drinking alcohol.
  

Pregnancy care

• Regular pregnancy care is important to ensure you are healthy and your baby is developing and growing well.
• If you are concerned about poor appetite and/or diet, ask to be referred to a dietitian.
• Dietary supplements may be required during your pregnancy and after the birth of your baby. Seek advice from your dietitian, doctor or midwife before starting supplements.

After the birth of your baby

• If your doctor or midwife has concerns regarding your baby’s health, he or she will refer your baby to a paediatrician (baby doctor).
• Babies exposed to alcohol use throughout pregnancy may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms and require supportive care and treatment.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best method of feeding your baby. It is also good for your health.

Women who are breastfeeding are advised not to drink alcohol.

To safely breastfeed your baby, you may need assistance from a health professional to reduce or cease your alcohol use.

When you drink alcohol, it passes into your blood and then into your breast milk. The amount of alcohol in your breast milk is similar to your blood levels. If you choose to drink alcohol, allow two hours before breastfeeding for each standard drink you have had.

There is little research evidence available about the effects of drinking alcohol while breastfeeding. However, there have been reports of the following effects even when alcohol is consumed at lower levels:

• There may be a reduction in the amount of breast milk you produce. Your baby may not receive enough milk if this occurs
• Your baby may become irritable, feed poorly and may have disturbed sleep patterns.

If you are planning to drink alcohol for a special occasion you may consider expressing beforehand and storing the breast milk. Your baby could have the expressed breast milk while you wait for your breast milk to be free of alcohol.

Regardless of the time frame, if you feel intoxicated you should not breastfeed.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden unexpected death of a baby for no known reason. It is the most common cause of death for infants in Australia
between birth and the age of one year. The risk of SIDS is greater if you smoke, use drugs and/or alcohol during pregnancy or after your baby is born. If you plan to drink alcohol or have been drinking, always ensure there is an adult who is not affected by alcohol or drugs available to care for your baby. For information, talk to your midwife, health worker or doctor.

Contact details

• Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service
  8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday
  The Royal Women’s Hospital
  Cnr Grattan St & Flemington Rd
  Parkville Victoria 3052
  Tel.: 03 9344 3631
  Email: wads@thewomens.org.au
  Website: www.thewomens.org.au/alcoholdrugservice
• DrugInfo Clearinghouse
  Tel.: 1300 85 85 84
  Email: druginfo@adf.org.au.
• DirectLine (Victoria only)
  Free Call: 1800 888 236
  24 hour counselling and referral service
• Maternal and Child Health (Victoria only)
  Tel.:132 229
  24 hour help line

More information

For more information on drugs and drug prevention contact the DrugInfo Clearinghouse on
tel. 1300 8585 84, email druginfo@adf.org.au, or see our website www.druginfo.adf.org.au