Can I Drink Wine While Im Pregnant? | Is It Safe?

Drinking alcohol is not recommended during pregnancy. However, there are still myths out there about different types of alcohol and whether they are safe to drink while pregnant or not.  

But based on all the available information, no amount of alcohol use is safe for those who are pregnant.

Is Red Wine Safe For Pregnant Women?

While drinking wine is seen as less dangerous than tequila or whiskey, it still contains alcohol and can harm a developing baby. Most medical organizations and doctors don’t recommend pregnant women drink wine or any other type of alcohol.

Whether it’s red wine or tequila, the alcohol is still going to travel through the blood, go through the placenta, and go to the baby through the umbilical cord. They consume the alcohol with you and can experience the negative effects of alcohol as a result.

Can A Glass Of Wine Harm The Baby?

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Association on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome all give the same advice—there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy, including an occasional glass of wine or other small amounts of alcohol.

One five-ounce glass of wine is equal to a can of beer or a shot of straight liquor. Whether it’s a glass of wine, a shot of liquor or a can of beer, the alcohol is still dangerous to the baby and puts it at risk for many harmful effects.

Risks Of Drinking While Pregnant

Some risks that come with prenatal alcohol exposure to a developing fetus can include:

• fetal alcohol syndrome
• miscarriage
• stillbirth
• sudden infant death syndrome
• low birth weight
• craniofacial dysmorphia
• learning difficulties
• impaired fine motor skills
• visuospatial problems.
• language delays
• feeding disorders
• slower growth in the womb
• premature birth

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) refers to any condition that develops because of a pregnant person’s alcohol use when a child is in utero. Fetal death is considered the most extreme but it can also include things like birth defects and low birth weight. 

These disorders are likely the result of heavy alcohol consumption, binge drinking, or regular alcohol use during pregnancy, but light drinking may cause them as well.

Babies with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can have central nervous system (CNS) problems, facial abnormalities, learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and growth issues. These issues last the rest of their lives and may be irreversible. 

Besides fetal death, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most serious condition included under the FASD umbrella and can lead to: 

• small head size
• abnormal facial features 
• lower-than-average height
• low birth weight
• vision problems
• hearing problems
• heart defects
• kidney problems
• bone problems
• smaller brain
• sleep disorders
• poor coordination
• poor memory
• difficulty concentrating
• learning disabilities
• speech and language delays
• poor reasoning and judgment skills

Drinking While Breastfeeding

Alcohol is also not recommended for those who are breastfeeding either. Alcohol goes into breastmilk and can harm the baby drinking it. Drinking while breastfeeding or nursing can lead to 

• low breastmilk production
• poor sleeping patterns in the baby
• poor infant development

Pumping out the milk to try to get rid of the alcohol likely won’t work. If you do drink, including even moderate amounts, you have to wait for the alcohol to go through your system before it’s safe to feed your baby again. 

Alcohol Treatment Programs For Pregnant Women

If you struggle to stop drinking alcohol while pregnant, professional help is available. Detox programs can help you manage withdrawal symptoms and begin the treatment process. 

Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs provide individual and group therapy, promote healthy life skills, and coordinate resources like support groups or case management. 

To learn about our substance abuse treatment options for pregnant women, please contact us today.