Risks & Effects of Alcohol Abuse While Pregnant

Alcohol use during pregnancy carries serious risks for both mother and child. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, and heavy or chronic drinking may result in long-term complications, congenital disabilities, or pregnancy loss.¹ For mothers, alcohol abuse during this critical time can lead to dangerous health consequences that affect not only pregnancy outcomes but also overall well-being.

It’s important to note that many women who struggle with alcohol use disorder may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about where to turn for help.² If you or a loved one is experiencing alcoholism while pregnant, professional treatment is available. Seeking support and learning more about the risks of drinking while pregnant can make a significant difference in protecting both mother and baby from preventable harm.

Risks & Effects of Drinking Alcohol While Pregnant

Alcoholism and pregnancy have been extensively studied, and research consistently shows that it poses significant risks. Alcohol is a teratogen—a substance that can interfere with fetal development and cause congenital disabilities.³ When a pregnant person drinks, the alcohol passes through the placenta and directly affects the fetus.⁴ Because the fetus’s liver and other organs are not fully developed, it cannot process alcohol the way an adult can. When the mother drinks, alcohol crosses the placenta, and because the fetus can’t process alcohol effectively, exposure can be prolonged and harmful.⁴

Alcohol abuse and pregnancy have been linked to a range of negative outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight. Additionally, exposure to alcohol in the womb increases the risk of developmental disorders, structural abnormalities, and long-term cognitive impairments.¹ These risks exist regardless of whether alcohol use is occasional or frequent, which is why health professionals emphasize that no amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy.¹

Effects of Alcohol on the Mother

While much of the focus is often on the baby, alcohol abuse while pregnant also poses direct risks to the mother. Pregnancy places unique demands on the body, and alcohol consumption can worsen complications, increase medical risks, and interfere with maternal health.

Possible effects of alcohol use on the mother during pregnancy include:

• Increased risk of miscarriage or pregnancy loss¹
• Premature birth and related complications¹
• Stillbirth¹
• High blood pressure and increased risk of preeclampsia⁵
• Increased risk of accidents or injuries due to impaired judgment and coordination⁶

These risks highlight how alcohol use affects not only the developing baby but also the physical safety and health of the mother throughout pregnancy.

Effects of Alcohol on the Baby

When a pregnant person consumes alcohol, it crosses the placenta and enters the baby’s bloodstream.⁴ Because the fetus cannot metabolize alcohol effectively, exposure can cause developmental harm at any stage of pregnancy.⁴ The earlier in pregnancy alcohol is consumed, the higher the risk for structural abnormalities, but brain development can be affected throughout all three trimesters.¹

Potential effects of alcohol on the baby include:

• Fetal alcohol syndrome⁷
• Alcohol-related birth defects⁷
• Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorders⁷
• Partial fetal alcohol syndrome⁷
• Motor and coordination issues⁷
• Smaller brain size⁷
• Growth deficiencies⁷
• Neonatal abstinence syndrome (withdrawal symptoms at birth in cases of chronic maternal alcohol use)⁸

Because alcohol exposure can impact nearly every aspect of fetal development, abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy is the safest choice.¹

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the umbrella term for a range of conditions that result from alcohol exposure before birth. These disorders affect physical development, behavior, and cognitive functioning, and symptoms can persist for a lifetime. FASD occurs because alcohol disrupts normal fetal brain development, damaging neurons and interfering with the formation of critical structures.⁷

Common symptoms of FASD include learning difficulties, hyperactivity, poor impulse control, language delays, and difficulty with social interactions. Some children may also have distinct facial features or growth deficiencies.

Types of FASD include:⁷

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
• Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS)
• Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)
• Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)

Among these, FAS is considered the most severe and widely recognized condition.⁷

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most severe form of FASD and results from heavy or frequent maternal drinking during pregnancy.⁷ FAS is characterized by a combination of growth delays, distinctive facial features, and neurological impairments.⁷

Common symptoms of FAS include:

• Distinctive facial features (smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, small eye openings)⁹
• Growth deficiencies (low birth weight, failure to thrive, short stature)⁹
• Intellectual disabilities and learning delays⁹
• Language problems⁹
• Small head size⁹
• Impulsivity and other behavioral problems⁹

Children with FAS require lifelong care and support, and while early interventions can improve outcomes, there is no cure for the condition.

Alcohol & Pregnancy FAQs

Is Any Alcohol Consumption Safe During Pregnancy?

No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy.¹ Even small amounts of alcohol can interfere with fetal development, especially during the first trimester when critical organs are forming.¹ Because the risks increase with exposure and there is no known safe threshold, health professionals recommend complete abstinence from alcohol throughout pregnancy.¹

How Does Alcohol Pass to the Baby?

When a pregnant person drinks alcohol, it enters the bloodstream and crosses the placenta into the fetus’s circulation.⁴ The baby’s underdeveloped liver cannot break down alcohol efficiently, leading to prolonged exposure and harmful effects.⁴ This direct transfer is what makes alcohol consumption so harmful to fetal development.⁴

Can You Drink While Trying to Conceive?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while trying to conceive.⁴ Alcohol can disrupt hormonal balance, interfere with ovulation, and affect menstrual cycles, all of which may reduce fertility.¹⁰ For women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), alcohol use has been linked to lower success rates.¹¹ Since many pregnancies are unrecognized during the first few weeks, abstaining from alcohol while trying to conceive is the safest approach for both mother and baby.⁴

Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Atlanta, GA

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use, seeking professional help is one of the most important steps you can take. At Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, GA, we provide evidence-based treatment programs designed to help patients build lasting recovery. While we do not currently offer programs specifically for pregnant women, our comprehensive services can support those who are ready to overcome alcohol addiction.

The rehab admissions team at our Atlanta addiction treatment center is designed to be straightforward and compassionate. Our team works closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to their needs. We also assist with verifying insurance coverage and provide guidance on paying for rehab so that financial issues don’t hinder recovery.

Whether you need intensive therapy or ongoing recovery support, Empowered Recovery Center can help you take the next step. To begin your journey, call our admissions team today or verify your benefits online to get started with alcohol addiction treatment.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control. (16 May 2024). About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy. Retrieved on September 4, 2025 from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol-pregnancy/about/index.html
2. Province of Manitoba. (ND). Why do girls and women drink alcohol during pregnancy? Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/fasd/pubs/whywomenandgirlsdrink.pdf
3. District of Columbia Department of Health. (17 Feb 2020). Understanding Genetics: A District of Columbia Guide for Patients and Health Professionals. Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK132140/
4. National Health Service. (13 Mar 2023). Drinking alcohol while pregnant. Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/drinking-alcohol-while-pregnant/
5. Ayele, A.D., Tilahun, Z.A. (8 Jul 2022). Determinants of pre-eclampsia among women attending delivery services in public health institutions of Debre Tabor Town: a case–control study. Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9270738/
6. Chikritzhs, T., Livingston, M. (13 Aug 2021). Alcohol and the Risk of Injury. Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8401155/
7. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (Aug 2023). Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders
8. Boston Children’s Hospital. (2025). Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/neonatal-abstinence-syndrome-nas
9. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. (Oct 2023). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Fetal_Alcohol_Syndrome-134.aspx
10. Mohammad Yaser Anwar., et al. (September 2021) Human Reproduction. The association between alcohol intake and fecundability during menstrual cycle phases. Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deab121
11. Rossi, B., et. al. Obstet Gynecol. (January 2011) Effect of Alcohol Consumption on In Vitro Fertilization. Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4487775/