Pregnancy
The evidence from peer reviewed literature suggests that exposing the foetus to alcohol may result in adverse effects, ranging from mild to severe and affecting child’s cognitive, behavioural and physical development. In addition, alcohol exposure is a strong predictor of premature or preterm birth, and low birth weight for gestational age.
The NHMRC (2020) gives the following advice about alcohol consumption during pregnancy:
- Not drinking alcohol is the safest option.
- The risk of harm to the foetus is highest when there is high, frequent maternal alcohol intake.
- The risk of harm to the foetus is likely to be low if a woman has consumed only small amounts of alcohol before she knew she was pregnant or during pregnancy.
- The level of risk to the individual foetus is in?uenced by maternal and foetal characteristics and is hard to predict.
What can be said to women who have consumed a minimal amount during pregnancy?
Women who have consumed small amounts of alcohol prior to pregnancy awareness or during pregnancy may be reassured that there is no consistent evidence this is harmful to the unborn child and that any impacts are likely to be minimal. Women who remain concerned should seek specialist medical advice.
| Chapter |
Recommendation |
Grade of recommendation |
| 14.1 |
Women who are or who may become pregnant should be advised of current NHMRC guidelines, which recommend abstinence. Clinicians who provide advice to pregnant women should familiarise themselves with the risk analysis described in those guidelines. The risk of harm to the foetus is highest when there is high, frequent, maternal alcohol intake. |
B |
| 14.2 |
Women may be reassured that the risk of harm to the foetus is likely to be low if a woman has consumed only small amounts of alcohol before she knew she was pregnant or during pregnancy. |
B |