Effects of alcohol on pregnancy

Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a serious concern that can have lasting consequences for your baby. A 2020 study (Dejong, et. al.) provides evidence that about 1 in 10 pregnant women in the US admit to drinking. Among women who drink alcohol before pregnancy, about 87% quit, but 6.4% do not change their intake during pregnancy at all.

The effects of drinking range from subtle developmental issues to severe birth defects. The good news is that the earlier you quit, the better it is for your baby’s growth and development.

Ready to give your child the best start? Ardu is here to help you kick alcohol to the curb, with personalized alcohol rehab services that put you and your little one first. Our expert team has got your back every step of the way, from detox to long-term sobriety.

Is alcohol safe during pregnancy?

There’s no known safe amount of alcohol. Even a few alcoholic drinks could cause problems for your developing baby.

Dejong, et. al. remind us that Surgeon General Richard Carmona made a clear statement in 2005: no amount of alcohol is safe for pregnant women or those who might become pregnant. If you’ve been habitually drinking, the recommendation is to stop as soon as possible.

A 2021 study emphasizes that even relatively low levels of alcohol increase the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and that current medical recommendations advise complete abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy and conception attempts. Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of the most frequent and severe consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure.

Every pregnancy is different, and healthcare providers can’t predict exactly how alcohol might affect your baby. While some children exposed to alcohol before birth experience severe problems, others might remain unaffected, but there’s no way to know in advance which outcome you’ll get. Why take that chance?

The safest bet is to avoid alcohol completely when you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Giving your baby the best possible start is worth skipping that glass of wine. It’s not always easy to quit, even when you’re pregnant, but Ardu has the expertise and support to help you quit.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to Ardu and give your baby and yourself a healthier start.

What are the effects of alcohol during pregnancy?

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can have wide-ranging and severe consequences for the developing fetus. As a potent teratogen, alcohol can disrupt fetal development at every stage, from conception to birth.

Before going into details, here are ten ways in which alcohol can negatively impact pregnancy:

Even small amounts of alcohol can damage fetal cells and lead to abnormal organ development and growth restrictions.
Alcohol is a major contributor to oxidative stress. Drinking while pregnant increases harmful free radicals and causes widespread developmental issues by damaging cellular structures and DNA. Terracina, et. al. explain that oxidative stress is implicated in epigenetic changes, including alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression.
Maternal alcohol consumption triggers inflammatory responses. Chronic inflammation in the body impairs placental function and fetal development, which complicates the pregnancy.
Heavy drinking interferes with the absorption of nutrients. It deprives the growing fetus of essential building blocks for proper development, depleting the mother’s nutritional reserves. This compromises her health and ability to support the pregnancy. Sebastiani, et. al. theorize that “when maternal nutritional status is compromised by alcohol and drugs of abuse, the supply of essential nutrients are not available for the fetus.” This lack of necessary nutrients may cause intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in the child.
Alcohol use alters hormone levels. In pregnancy, heavy drinking affects fetal development and maternal health, with potential long-term consequences.
Consuming alcohol reduces blood flow to the placenta, limits oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus, and ends in growth restrictions and developmental problems.
Prenatal alcohol exposure can alter gene expression in the unborn baby and cause long-term health effects that may persist into adulthood.
The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to alcohol. Chronic exposure interferes with neuronal growth and migration, causing cognitive impairments and behavioral problems later in life. Chen, PhD. explains that prenatal alcohol exposure can cause a range of brain abnormalities, from overall size reduction to changes in individual neurons and how they communicate. These changes can impact a child’s behavior and thinking abilities for life, affecting how they learn, interact, and develop as they grow.
Regular drinking during pregnancy leads to intrauterine growth restriction. The result may be low birth weight and health complications for the newborn.
Higher levels of alcohol intake increase the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth at different stages of pregnancy.

Alcohol poses serious risks to both mother and child throughout pregnancy. The danger escalates with each trimester.

Drinking in the first trimester

The first trimester spans weeks 1–12 of pregnancy and is a critical period for fetal development. During this time, the foundation for all major organs and body systems is laid, including the brain, heart, and spinal cord. This rapid cell division and organ formation make the developing embryo extremely vulnerable to external influences.

Alcohol consumption during the first trimester may have severe consequences. Research suggests that even moderate alcohol consumption during early pregnancy can lead to growth and developmental abnormalities in infants.

Drinking disrupts crucial cell division and migration processes, which may lead to miscarriage or birth defects.
Alcohol interferes with the formation of the neural tube and causes brain and spinal cord abnormalities. Even low levels of alcohol exposure can lead to subtle neurological changes that affect cognitive and behavioral development later in life.
Alcohol can impair the development of the heart, blood vessels, and other vital organs.
Alcohol exposure during this period can alter the baby’s facial development and result in the distinctive facial features often associated with fetal alcohol syndrome (e.g., a smooth ridge between the upper lip and nose, a thin upper lip, and a shorter-than-average distance between the inner and outer corners of the eyes.
The risk of miscarriage is significantly increased, especially when binge drinking.

Alcohol use in the first trimester also harms the mother. It often worsens morning sickness and fatigue, interferes with nutrient absorption, and increases the risk of dehydration. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can also heighten anxiety and make it harder to establish healthy pregnancy habits.

The effects of alcohol on the second trimester

The second trimester, spanning weeks 13 to 26, is often called the “golden period” of pregnancy. During this time, your baby goes through some amazing changes. Their organs continue to develop and mature, and they start to look human. Your little one begins to move around, and you might even feel those first exciting kicks. This is also when the baby’s sex becomes visible on ultrasounds, and their unique fingerprints form.

Even though your baby’s major organs are formed, drinking during this stage can still do some real damage to your growing bun in the oven.

Alcohol exposure during the second trimester significantly impacts fetal growth. A group of Dutch scientists found that heavy drinking at this stage was associated with a smaller abdominal circumference and lower estimated fetal weight. Scott and Sher posit that drinking during the second trimester leads to a smaller belly size and lower overall weight for the baby.
The fetus begins developing more complex muscle control and coordination at this stage. Alcohol exposure disrupts these emerging movement patterns and may cause delays in motor skill development that become apparent after birth.
Heavy drinking interferes with the development of the baby’s lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory issues when the baby is born.
During these weeks, the fetus’s bones are actively hardening and lengthening. Alcohol disrupts this critical phase of skeletal development. The child may be born with weaker bones or deformities that may affect the baby’s growth and bone health.
Alcohol exposure can interfere with fetal sleep-wake cycles that begin to establish in the second trimester. These effects may impact the baby’s sleep regulation.

It’s never too late to make a positive change for your baby’s health. The sooner you stop drinking during pregnancy, the better chance you give your little one to catch up on growth and development.

Alcohol use in the third trimester

The third trimester, from week 27 until birth, is when your baby packs on the pounds and gets ready for life outside the womb. Their brain is developing rapidly, forming billions of neurons and connections. Their lungs are maturing, while your little one is fine-tuning their senses, developing sleep patterns, and even practicing breathing movements.

Here’s the damage alcohol can do during the final weeks of pregnancy:

It disrupts the final stages of brain development, especially the cerebral cortex, which controls cognitive functions.
It interferes with the baby’s rapid weight gain, critical for fat stores and preparation for life outside the womb.
Alcohol impairs the baby’s ability to regulate body temperature after birth, a system that finalizes in the third trimester.
It affects the development of the baby’s circadian rhythms, which are established in these final weeks.
Exposure at this stage increases the risk of stillbirth. The baby becomes more vulnerable to sudden changes in the uterine environment.
Alcohol compromises the final maturation of the baby’s liver, which can lead to jaundice or other metabolic issues after birth.

Your baby is growing fast in these final weeks, and every drink hinders their development. It’s not too late to make a positive change.

Ardu offers compassionate, specialized alcohol detox and rehabilitation services for anyone struggling with dependency, including expectant mothers. Our experienced team provides the support you need to protect your health and your baby’s future. You’ll benefit from a comprehensive approach that includes medically supervised detox, individualized counseling, group therapy, and holistic treatments to help you build a strong foundation for lasting recovery.

“I loved every moment I spent at Ardu. I really got the therapy and support I have been needing so badly over the years. They are so kind and loving that I came back to work and I love it even more as an employee. The environment is so peaceful. It’s a beautiful place for healing.”

—Chandler Lindley

 5/5

Common misconceptions around alcohol use during pregnancy

Many people believe that moderate drinking is beneficial for health, and some even extend this idea to pregnant women. The scientific consensus is clear: there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.

Despite this, myths and misconceptions are often passed down through generations or spread through social circles. A 2022 study reveals that there’s a widespread lack of awareness about the harmful effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, with many people not realizing that even small amounts can significantly increase the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome and other more dangerous consequences.

The study also maintains that these misconceptions are compounded by societal pressure to drink and mixed messages from media and sometimes even healthcare providers.

Let’s debunk 10 of the most common misconceptions about alcohol use during pregnancy:

“Just a little wine is fine.” This is a dangerous myth. There’s no proven safe amount of wine or other types of alcohol during pregnancy. Even small amounts can potentially harm your baby’s development.
“Beer is safer than spirits.” Alcohol is alcohol whether it’s beer, wine, or vodka. Your baby doesn’t care what type you drink.
“Early drinking doesn’t count.” Those first weeks are crucial. Alcohol can affect your baby even before you know you’re pregnant. That’s why it’s best to stop drinking when you start trying to conceive.
“Third-trimester drinking is okay.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Your baby’s brain is developing right up until birth. Drinking in the third trimester can still cause serious harm.
“Binge drinking occasionally is fine.” This is particularly dangerous. Binge drinking exposes your baby to high levels of alcohol all at once.
“I drank with my first and they’re fine.” Every pregnancy is unique. Just because one child wasn’t visibly affected doesn’t mean the next one won’t be. It’s not worth the risk.
“Alcohol helps me relax.” While stress reduction is important during pregnancy, alcohol isn’t the answer. There are many safer ways to relax that won’t put your baby at risk.
“European women drink while pregnant.” This is a harmful generalization. Many European countries strongly advise against prenatal drinking. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders exist worldwide.
“Red wine has health benefits.” The risks of alcohol far outweigh any supposed benefits of red wine to your developing baby. There are much safer ways to get antioxidants.
“The placenta filters out alcohol.” Alcohol passes freely through the placenta. Your baby’s blood alcohol level becomes the same as yours.

Beyond its harmful effects on the developing baby and the health of the expecting mother, alcohol poses serious risks to the overall sexual and reproductive health of both women and men.

Does alcohol affect getting pregnant?

If you’re trying to conceive, alcohol may hinder your chances of pregnancy. Let’s look at how alcohol can hinder fertility and make it harder to conceive.

Alcohol throws off the hormonal balance needed for your menstrual cycle and ovulation to function smoothly. This causes irregular cycles and may even stop ovulation altogether, making it much harder for your body to conceive naturally.
Regular alcohol consumption disrupts your menstrual cycle, causes irregular periods, and makes it difficult to know when ovulation occurs, if at all. This unpredictability lowers the likelihood of conceiving and, in some cases, may stop ovulation entirely, further affecting fertility.
Long-term alcohol consumption can harm the ovaries and lower the egg quality. When egg quality is compromised, fertility declines.
Alcohol depletes vital nutrients such as folic acid, zinc, and vitamin B, all of which play essential roles in reproductive health. Folic acid is necessary for preventing birth defects and supporting fetal development. When these nutrients are lacking, your body struggles to maintain a healthy reproductive system. Low nutrient levels also increase the risk of miscarriage, developmental issues, and other pregnancy-related complications.
For men, alcohol can lower testosterone and negatively affect sperm production, movement, and quality. Poor sperm health can make it more difficult to fertilize an egg.
Frequent exposure to alcohol increases the risk of erectile dysfunction in men. This issue limits the ability to have regular and successful intercourse.
Alcohol decreases libido in men and women. When sexual desire is lowered, intercourse frequency often decreases, further reducing the chances of becoming pregnant.

Alcohol harms nearly every part of your body, from your brain and liver to your reproductive system. Its effects extend far beyond fertility, making it harder to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy. If you’re trying to start a family, avoid alcohol to protect your body and improve your chances of giving birth to a healthy baby.

Reclaim your life with Ardu’s alcohol rehab services

Alcohol can have a profound negative impact on your ability to have a healthy pregnancy. Our rehab center in Provo, Utah helps you recover from alcohol addiction and improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy. We provide personalized care and support to help you regain control of your health and prepare for a successful pregnancy.

With expert staff and a range of therapy options, we’re here to guide you every step of the way toward recovery and a brighter future. Here’s why Ardu is the best place to begin your recovery journey:

Inpatient treatment: For those requiring intensive care, our residential program offers 24/7 support in a structured environment. We focus on addressing alcohol addiction while helping you regain control of your overall health, including your reproductive well-being.
Outpatient options: If full-time residential care isn’t feasible, we offer flexible treatment plans that allow you to continue your daily life while receiving the help you need. You’ll receive the same high-quality care that supports your recovery and fertility.
Dual diagnosis treatment: Many people facing alcohol addiction may also have underlying mental health challenges. Our expert team provides integrated care and addresses your mental and physical well-being.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Our CBT program helps you identify and change harmful thought patterns that drive alcohol use. We provide the tools to create healthier habits that promote both sobriety and overall health.
Nutritional counseling: Proper nutrition is vital for recovery and reproductive health. Our program includes personalized nutritional guidance to restore your body’s balance, improve fertility, and support a healthy pregnancy.
Holistic therapies: We offer a range of holistic therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, and massage therapy. These treatments promote physical and emotional healing and help you strengthen your body and mind as you recover from alcohol addiction.
Family therapy: Alcohol addiction affects not only you but also your relationships with loved ones. We involve family members in the healing process so you can repair any strain that alcohol has placed on these bonds.

The first step in addressing alcohol dependence is safely managing detox. At Ardu, we offer both medical and holistic detox, supervised by compassionate experts who prioritize your well-being. Once detox is complete, we move into rehabilitation, where our comprehensive treatment programs help you overcome alcohol abuse and addiction.

We use evidence-based therapies to uncover the underlying causes of your alcohol dependence and equip you with the tools needed to achieve lasting recovery. At Ardu, we focus on improving your overall health—mind, body, and spirit—empowering you to achieve lifelong sobriety and prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy.

Ready to take control of your health and recovery? Call us today to learn how we can support you in overcoming alcohol addiction.

Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.

Alcohol and pregnancy FAQ

How early in pregnancy does alcohol affect the baby?

Alcohol can begin affecting the baby as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy, even before many women realize they are pregnant. During this time, the baby’s vital organs, brain, and nervous system start developing, and alcohol exposure can interfere with these critical early stages.

Even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of fetal alcohol effects, which include physical, cognitive, and behavioral developmental issues. Alcohol-related birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders can occur from any stage of exposure, which is why you should avoid drinking entirely once trying to conceive or as soon as pregnancy is suspected.

What if I drank during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy?

Drinking alcohol during the first four weeks of pregnancy still poses risks to the developing baby, but many women may not realize they are pregnant this early. While the risk of fetal alcohol effects exists, the likelihood of severe harm may vary depending on the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed. Stop drinking immediately upon discovering pregnancy and consult with a healthcare provider to discuss concerns and appropriate care.

When should you stop drinking while pregnant?

You should stop drinking alcohol as soon as you decide to try for a baby or immediately after learning you’re pregnant. Alcohol can affect the unborn child at any stage of pregnancy, but the earlier you stop, the better. Alcohol-related birth defects and developmental issues can occur at any point, including the first trimester when crucial brain and organ development takes place.

There is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, so avoiding it altogether is the best way to protect your baby from potential harm.

What if I drank alcohol when I didn’t know I was pregnant?

Many women may consume alcohol before realizing they are pregnant. If this happens, stop drinking immediately upon learning of the pregnancy. While early exposure to alcohol can increase the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other complications such as poor growth, premature birth, or cognitive development issues, it’s never too late to improve your baby’s health. Avoid alcohol for the rest of your pregnancy and speak with a healthcare provider to discuss any concerns.

Is a glass of wine ok when pregnant?

There is no safe amount of alcohol, including wine, when you’re pregnant. Alcohol passes through the placenta to the baby, and even small amounts can disrupt fetal development. While some may believe that light drinking is harmless, studies show that any level of alcohol exposure increases the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and physical abnormalities. The safest option is to avoid alcohol completely throughout your pregnancy to protect your baby from harm.

Does your body reject alcohol when pregnant in the first trimester?

During the first trimester, some women may experience aversions to alcohol, particularly because of nausea or changes in taste and smell caused by hormonal shifts. Whether the mother develops an aversion to alcohol or not, alcohol is equally dangerous for the fetus.

Alcohol can still cause significant harm to the fetus in the first trimester, a critical time for organ and brain development. This can cause heart defects, developmental disabilities, and other alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders.

Is it normal to miss alcohol while pregnant?

It is normal for some women to miss alcohol during pregnancy, especially if it was a regular part of social activities or relaxation routines before becoming pregnant. The harm alcohol can cause to an unborn child far outweighs the temporary discomfort of missing it. There are many safe and healthy alternatives to manage stress and unwind during pregnancy, such as exercise, meditation, or mocktails. Try to focus on the health of both you and your baby to ease the transition and support a healthier pregnancy.

Resources

DEJONG, K., OLYAEI, A., & LO, J. O. (2019). Alcohol Use in Pregnancy. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 62(1), 142. https://doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0000000000000414

Popova, S., Dozet, D., Shield, K., Rehm, J., & Burd, L. (2021). Alcohol’s Impact on the Fetus. Nutrients, 13(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103452

Terracina, S., Tarani, L., Ceccanti, M., Vitali, M., Francati, S., Lucarelli, M., Venditti, S., Verdone, L., Ferraguti, G., & Fiore, M. (2024). The Impact of Oxidative Stress on the Epigenetics of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Antioxidants, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13040410

Sebastiani, G., Borrás-Novell, C., Casanova, M. A., Tutusaus, M. P., Martínez, S. F., Gómez Roig, M. D., & García-Algar, O. (2018). The Effects of Alcohol and Drugs of Abuse on Maternal Nutritional Profile during Pregnancy. Nutrients, 10(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10081008

Chen, J. A., Maier, S. E., Parnell, S. E., & West, J. R. (2003). Alcohol and the Developing Brain: Neuroanatomical Studies. Alcohol Research & Health, 27(2), 174-180. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6668892/

Hanson, J. W., Streissguth, A. P., & Smith, D. W. (1978). The effects of moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy on fetal growth and morphogenesis. The Journal of Pediatrics, 92(3), 457-460. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3476(78)80449-1

Pielage, M., Marroun, H. E., Odendaal, H. J., Willemsen, S. P., J. Hillegers, M. H., P. Steegers, E. A., & Rousian, M. (2023). Alcohol exposure before and during pregnancy is associated with reduced fetal growth: The Safe Passage Study. BMC Medicine, 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-023-03020-4

Effect of alcohol during pregnancy: a public health issue

Scott, Sonya, et. al.

The Lancet Public Health, Volume 8, Issue 1, e4 – e5

Popova, S., Dozet, D., Laboni, S. A., Brower, K., & Temple, V. (2022). Why do women consume alcohol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? Drug and Alcohol Review, 41(4), 759-777. https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.13425