Can I drink alcohol if I am pregnant?
No. Do not drink alcohol when you are pregnant. Why? Because when you drink alcohol, so does your baby. Think about it: everything you drink, the baby also drinks.
Is there any alcoholic beverage that I can drink without risk during pregnancy?
No alcohol is considered “safe” during pregnancy. Drinking any kind of alcohol at anytime during pregnancy can be harmful. Alcohol includes beer, wine, wine coolers, and liquor.
I drank alcohol during my last pregnancy and my baby turned out fine. What does that mean?
Every pregnancy is different. Drinking alcohol can harm one baby more than another. You might have a baby that is born healthy and another one that is born with many problems.
If my baby is born with problems because of alcohol, when will the problems go away?
They don’t. These are problems that will last for the child’s entire life. People with severe complications may not be able to take care of themselves or work independently as adults.
What if I am pregnant, and I’ve been drinking?
If you have been drinking alcohol before finding out you were pregnant, stop drinking alcohol immediately. You will feel much better, and your baby will have a better chance of staying healthy.
How can I stop drinking alcohol?
There are many ways to stop drinking alcohol more easily. You do not have to drink when others drink. If they offer you a drink, it’s okay to say no or ask for a non-alcoholic drink instead. At restaurants, ask for non-alcoholic drink options. Many restaurants serve mocktail options that might be an easy alternative to your usual choice of drink. Explain to those around you that you will not be drinking, and if they pressure you to, think about distancing yourself from that relationship. Try to not keep alcohol in your home.
If you find it extremely hard to quit alcohol, seek help. Ask your doctor, counselor, or church for any resources or programs that can help you stop drinking.
