Can I Drink Alcohol When Pregnant?

The NHS advice is clear and unambiguous: no amount of alcohol has been proven safe in pregnancy. The safest choice is to avoid alcohol completely throughout all three trimesters.

Quick Answer

Alcohol in pregnancy: avoid completely

The NHS recommends not drinking alcohol at all during pregnancy. This applies from the moment you find out you are pregnant, and ideally from the point you start trying to conceive.

Why Alcohol Is Harmful in Pregnancy

The main risks associated with drinking during pregnancy include:

• Miscarriage and stillbirth — alcohol is associated with a higher risk of pregnancy loss.
• Premature birth — babies born before 37 weeks face more health challenges.
• Low birth weight — babies may be smaller than expected.
• Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) — a range of lifelong conditions affecting learning, behaviour, and development that result from alcohol exposure before birth.

There is no trimester in which alcohol is considered safe. The first trimester is particularly important for brain and organ formation, but alcohol can cause harm at any stage.

NHS Guidance on Alcohol in Pregnancy

The guidance acknowledges that some people may have drunk alcohol before knowing they were pregnant. If that applies to you, the important thing is to stop as soon as you know and speak to your midwife if you have any concerns. A single episode of low-level drinking early in pregnancy is unlikely to have caused harm, but continued drinking carries increasing risk.

If you are struggling to stop drinking, your midwife or GP will not judge you — there is support available, and being honest with your healthcare team is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby.

Alcohol-Free Alternatives

• Alcohol-free wines and beers (these are widely available and have improved considerably in quality)
• Sparkling water with fruit juice or sliced citrus
• Non-alcoholic cocktails and mocktails
• Herbal teas (note that some herbal teas are not recommended in high quantities during pregnancy — check with your midwife if unsure)

Letting close friends or family know early can also reduce pressure around drinking at social events.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is very common. Many people have a drink or two in early pregnancy before a positive test. Try not to panic — a small amount of alcohol early on is unlikely to have caused harm. Stop drinking as soon as you know you are pregnant, and mention it to your midwife at your booking appointment if you are worried. They will be able to reassure you and provide support if needed.

Is a small glass of wine occasionally safe in pregnancy?

The NHS advises against it. The difficulty is that no safe level of alcohol in pregnancy has been established by research, which is why the recommendation is to avoid it altogether. Some countries have historically given different advice, but UK guidance is clear that the safest choice is none at all.

Can alcohol in food or cooking harm my baby?

Alcohol used in cooking — for example in sauces, casseroles, or baked goods — generally reduces significantly with heat. A small amount of residual alcohol in a thoroughly cooked meal is considered very low risk. However, cold or uncooked dishes containing alcohol, such as some desserts, are best avoided.

Always speak to your midwife or GP for personal advice about alcohol and pregnancy.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Related articles:

• Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Vitamins
• Healthy Diet in Pregnancy