Alcohol while planning a pregnancy

During the three months before you become pregnant, there are some important things that you can do to improve your chances of becoming pregnant and set the scene for a healthier pregnancy and healthier baby. One of the lifestyle changes you should now be thinking about is giving up drinking alcohol.

Alcohol can make it harder to get pregnant

Drinking alcohol can make it harder for you to get pregnant. While you are planning a pregnancy, it's a good idea to start cutting back on alcohol.

Alcohol can affect your unborn child

-          Pregnancy and alcohol don't mix

-          There is no safe time to drink during pregnancy

-          Alcohol can harm your baby for life

When you drink alcohol so does your baby. The alcohol will reach your unborn baby very quickly and its blood alcohol will be the same level as yours.

It is safest to completely avoid alcohol.

For women in South Australia seeking support for stopping drinking contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (24 hour counselling) 1300 13 13 40

More information

For more information have a look at the topic 'Alcohol during pregnancy'.

Alcohol information postcard

'Pregnancy and alcohol don't mix' (PDF document)