Myths About Alcohol and Pregnancy: The Facts

When you’re pregnant, there are lots of things you should and shouldn’t do to keep you and your baby healthy. One of the most important guidelines to follow is to avoid drinking alcohol. While this is commonly mentioned as a pregnancy guideline, there are still some myths about alcohol consumption and pregnancy. Let’s clear up these myths and understand why it’s important to avoid alcohol completely if you’re pregnant.

Understanding the Risks: Debunking Myths About Alcohol During Pregnancy

• Myth 1: A little bit of alcohol is okay during pregnancy. No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it passes directly through the placenta to the baby. The baby’s body is much less capable of processing alcohol, leading to potential harm.
• Myth 2: Drinking wine is safer than other types of alcohol. All types of alcohol, whether it’s wine, beer or spirits (hard liquor), have the same effect when it comes to pregnancy. The key issue is the alcohol itself, not the type of drink.
• Myth 3: Drinking alcohol is only harmful in the first trimester. Alcohol can cause harm to the baby at any stage of pregnancy. Even in the later stages of pregnancy, drinking alcohol can affect the baby’s brain development and cause other serious problems.
• Myth 4: If you drank before knowing you were pregnant, the baby will definitely be harmed. Many women might drink alcohol before realizing they are pregnant. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is risky for an unborn child because it increases the chances they will have developmental challenges. However, this is not a guarantee. While the risk is greater the longer and more frequently a person drinks during pregnancy, there is no way to predict whether harm will be done. This means the safest bet is to avoid alcohol completely. If you learn you are pregnant, the best thing to do is to stop drinking immediately and talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns.

Why It’s Important to Avoid Alcohol During Pregnancy

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to a range of problems known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Children with FASD might have:

• Growth problems
• Facial features that are not typical
• Learning and behavior problems

These issues are lifelong and can’t be cured, but early intervention can help manage the symptoms. For more information about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – a type of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) – check out this article about treating and managing FAS here on the Own Your Limits website.

Remember, there is no safe amount, time, or type of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. The safest choice for your baby is to avoid alcohol entirely. If you have questions or need support, talk to your healthcare provider.

Resources

Military OneSource

Support for Military Personnel & Families | Military OneSource is a DoD supported service offering 24/7 confidential support and are specialized in helping military members, families and veterans. Services are provided CONUS and OCONUS via call-in, live chat and text on their website and mobile app.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

You may also call the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free and confidential treatment referral and information service (provided in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Check out additional resources for Service members here.