Alcohol and Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant or planning to conceive, it’s important to consider how alcohol can affect you and your baby’s health. At Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare, our private obstetricians provide personalised, evidence-based guidance to help you make informed decisions during your pregnancy journey.

Why Alcohol Matters in Pregnancy

• No Known Safe Level: Current UK guidelines (including the NHS) advise that no amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.
• Risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): Even moderate drinking can impact your baby’s developing brain and other organs, increasing the risk of a range of conditions known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
• Possible Complications: Alcohol use during pregnancy may also contribute to preterm birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
• Effects on Mother’s Health: Beyond its impact on the baby, regular alcohol intake can increase maternal risks like high blood pressure, nutritional deficiencies, and increased vulnerability to other complications.

Understanding the Risks

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

The most severe form of FASD is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), characterised by:

• Growth Restrictions: Babies may be smaller than average before and after birth.
• Facial Abnormalities: A distinct pattern of facial features, though not always present.
• Developmental Delays: Problems with learning, memory, attention, or communication.
• Long-Term Challenges: Behavioural and cognitive issues that can persist into adulthood.

Other Spectrum Disorders

Not all infants exposed to alcohol show immediate signs of FAS, but they may still develop less overt FASD conditions affecting cognitive function, motor skills, and social development.

How Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare Supports You

1. Personalised Consultations
• Our obstetricians take time to understand your lifestyle, health history, and pregnancy goals. This ensures that all advice about alcohol avoidance (and any other lifestyle factors) is tailored to your individual needs.
2. Evidence-Based Guidance
• We keep up to date with the latest medical guidelines regarding alcohol and pregnancy, ensuring our recommendations reflect current best practices.
• We’ll work with you to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption, offering practical tips, resources, or referrals to counselling services if you need further support.
3. Ongoing Monitoring & Support
• Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and it’s not uncommon to experience moments where you might be tempted to drink. We provide regular check-ups, answering any questions and helping you stay on track for a healthy, alcohol-free pregnancy.
• Our team is on hand to discuss nutrition, exercise, and any other concerns that arise as your pregnancy progresses.
4. Holistic Care
• Beyond alcohol advice, we deliver a comprehensive antenatal service, monitoring your baby’s growth, checking on maternal wellbeing, and coordinating any additional tests or referrals.
• Whether at our Dulwich or Belgravia location, you can expect compassionate, patient-focused care throughout pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is an Occasional Drink Safe?

Guidelines now emphasise that any amount of alcohol can pose a risk. While some older advice suggested one or two units occasionally, the safest approach today is complete abstinence to eliminate even minor risks.

2. What If I Drank Before Realising I Was Pregnant?

Many women only discover they’re pregnant a few weeks in. If you drank alcohol during that time, try not to panic. Stop immediately and speak to a healthcare professional. We can provide extra monitoring and guidance for the remainder of your pregnancy.

3. Can I Drink Non-Alcoholic Alternatives?

Alcohol-free beverages can be a good substitute—however, check the label to ensure they truly contain no alcohol (some “low-alcohol” drinks still have a small percentage). If in doubt, opt for soft drinks or mocktails.

4. Can Drinking in the Later Stages of Pregnancy Still Cause Harm?

Yes. Alcohol can affect fetal development at any stage. This includes the later trimesters when the baby’s brain continues to mature. Stopping or reducing intake as soon as possible is always beneficial.

Book Your Private Obstetric Consultation

If you’re feeling uncertain or worried about alcohol and pregnancy, Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare is here to help. Our dedicated obstetrics team will:

• Discuss lifestyle modifications to ensure a healthy pregnancy
• Provide professional, non-judgemental support if you’re finding it difficult to cut down
• Offer peace of mind with regular antenatal check-ups and expert advice

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let our private obstetricians guide you towards a safer, healthier pregnancy—for both you and your baby.

Other Services we offer: 

Private Gynaecologists

Private GP

Private Paediatrician

Private Obstetrician & Maternity Hospital

Private Colposcopy