Alcohol in Pregnancy: Can I Drink A Glass of Wine while Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

The moment you see that positive pregnancy test, the excitement is real—but so is the avalanche of don’ts that seem to follow. Suddenly, you’re Googling, “Can I drink a glass of wine while pregnant?” and spiraling into a sea of conflicting advice.

It’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed, especially during the festive season when Prosecco flows as freely as water, and you’re figuring out how to balance festive fun with growing a baby. Add to that the challenge of finding something to wear that actually fits and feels good. (Spoiler: renting a festive maternity dress could be the solution to at least one of those dilemmas.)

So, what’s the real deal when it comes to alcohol in pregnancy—and how can you still enjoy the party season? Let’s break it down.

While many mums-to-be choose to abstain entirely, others might wonder, can I drink a glass of wine while pregnant? It’s a common question, and while some do decide to drink a small amount now and then, sadly, the official guidance is pretty clear.

“The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) strongly recommends complete abstinence from consuming any alcohol during pregnancy,” says Dr. Anna Cantlay, GP and Chief Medical Officer at For The Creators. “This is because there is no scientifically proven safe level of alcohol consumption when pregnant.”

And that’s the key word: safe.

We get it—it’s no fun sipping a San P while everyone else celebrates with fizz. It’s tempting to think, just one can’t hurt. But the reality is, any alcohol consumed can pass through the placenta to your baby.

No one can tell you how much alcohol is safe to drink when you are pregnant, as the data doesn't exist. "Even though the risks are low with small amounts of alcohol... there is no scientifically proven safe level of alcohol consumption," says Dr Anna. 

We do know that the more you drink, the higher the risk to your baby. Serious health risks are associated with heavy drinking while pregnant. 

If you've just had a positive pregnancy test, but have been drinking up until now, you might be wondering what happens if you drink alcohol in very early pregnancy. Firstly, don't panic. A lot of us have been there.

"The risk of your baby being affected is low," says Dr Anna. "Don’t worry. Stop drinking as soon as you find out and speak to a doctor or midwife if concerned."

As mentioned, "when you drink, alcohol passes across the placenta to your baby. The more you drink, the higher the risk to your baby," explains Dr Anna.

According to Dr Anna, drinking in pregnancy is associated with the following risks:

• Miscarriage 
• Premature labour 
• Low birth weight 
• Fetal growth restriction
• Stillbirth  

Drinking heavily during pregnancy can have serious effects on your baby’s development and health. It can affect their brain development, and make them more prone to illness as a child and later in life. In severe cases, it can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) or fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

"Heavy use of alcohol in pregnancy is associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) or the more severe Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)," explains Dr Anna. 

Children with FAS and FASD can have lifelong problems with:

• Behaviour, such as hyperactivity and impulse control
• Emotional and social difficulties
• Learning difficulties
• Difficulty with speech
• Psychiatric problems
• Physical disabilities

When it comes to alcohol in pregnancy, Dr. Anna advises stopping before you even see that positive test. “It’s best to stop drinking when trying for a baby,” she says.

But why?

According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), heavy drinking by either partner while trying to conceive can make it harder to get pregnant. Cutting out alcohol early not only supports your chances of conceiving but also ensures a healthier start for your baby.

However, plenty of people do drink during the 'two week wait' or aren't actively trying for a baby so don't realise they are pregnant for the first few weeks. If that's you, don't panic. The RCOG recommends talking to your midwife or doctor for advice and support. The important this is to switch the wine for a non-alcoholic bevvy as soon as you know. 

You might be looking forward to that first drink after 9+ months of pregnancy, especially as we approach the festive season, but is it safe to drink alcohol while breastfeeding?

Dr Anna says: "Alcohol does pass into breastmilk and reaches its highest concentration approximately 30-60 minutes after an alcoholic beverage is consumed."

"Generally, it’s best not to drink while breastfeeding, but the occasional drink is unlikely to harm your baby." Dr Anna defines occasional as "no more than one standard drink a day."

"Excessive and heavy drinking whilst breastfeeding can affect milk supply and even the baby’s sleep patterns and development," adds Dr Anna. It's also worth noting that co-sleeping isn't recommended if you've been drinking alcohol.

If you've decided to have an alcoholic drink while breastfeeding, Dr Anna recommends that "you wait 2-3 hours again before nursing".

If you decide to drink more than 1 drink, you might want to try 'pumping and dumping' so your baby doesn't drink the affected milk.