There is no evidence to suggest that prenatal vitamins can reduce alcohol-related harm in pregnancy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that there is no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Therefore, the safest option is to avoid alcohol entirely when pregnant [1][2].
What are the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy?
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to a range of lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities in a child. These can include Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), which are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy [1]. Symptoms of FASDs can include abnormal facial features, growth problems, and problems with thinking, learning, behavior, and social skills [1].
How much alcohol is too much during pregnancy?
The CDC states that no amount of alcohol is safe to drink while pregnant [1]. Drinking alcohol at any stage of pregnancy can cause problems for the developing baby [2]. It is not possible to predict which pregnancies will be affected or the types of problems that might develop [1].
What are the recommendations for alcohol and pregnancy?
Health authorities universally recommend abstaining from alcohol throughout pregnancy [1][2]. This recommendation applies regardless of the type of alcohol consumed, including wine, beer, or spirits [1].
When should I stop drinking alcohol if I am pregnant?
It is recommended to stop drinking alcohol as soon as you know you are pregnant, or if you are planning to become pregnant [2]. Since some damage can occur before a woman knows she is pregnant, it is advisable for those who are sexually active and not using reliable contraception to avoid alcohol [1].