Can You Drink While Pregnant?

At Pregnancy Decision Line, we understand that pregnancy brings many uncertainties, and we’re here to provide you with accurate, judgment-free information about alcohol during pregnancy. 

Let’s explore everything you need to know about drinking alcohol while pregnant and how to make informed decisions going forward.

Can I Drink if I’m Planning on Getting an Abortion?

You should still avoid alcohol even if you’re considering abortion. Alcohol thins the blood, which can interfere with your body’s ability to clot and control bleeding.¹ Drinking before or after an abortion increases the risk of excessive bleeding¹, which would require emergency treatment.

Before considering abortion, we encourage you to explore all of your pregnancy options and receive an ultrasound. This will help you to make the most informed decision for your health and future. 

Understanding Alcohol and Pregnancy: The Basic Facts

The relationship between alcohol and pregnancy is straightforward: there is no known safe type or amount of alcohol that is safe to drink during pregnancy.²

When you drink alcohol while pregnant, it passes through your bloodstream directly to the developing fetus through the placenta. Since the fetus’s liver isn’t fully developed, they cannot process alcohol the way you can, making even small amounts potentially harmful. This is why healthcare professionals recommend avoiding alcohol completely if you are pregnant.

Can Alcohol Affect Pregnancy Test Results?

Alcohol itself won’t cause a false positive or negative result. However, alcohol consumption can cause dehydration, leading you to drink more water. This could dilute your urine, making it difficult for the pregnancy test to detect your hCG levels, and potentially produce an inaccurate result.³

For the most accurate results, wait until your body returns to normal hydration levels before testing. 

Don’t want to take this first step alone? Contact Pregnancy Decision Line. We can connect you with a local pregnancy center that offers free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds so that you can confirm your pregnancy in a confidential, compassionate environment. 

The Risks: Why No Amount of Alcohol Is Safe During Pregnancy

Even moderate drinking during pregnancy can lead to serious complications. Examples include:

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most severe form of FASD, occurring when a developing fetus is exposed to alcohol in the womb. Heavy drinking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of FAS, which can cause²:

• Facial abnormalities
• Growth deficiencies
• Intellectual disabilities and learning disorders 
• Social and behavioral issues

Miscarriage and Pregnancy Complications

Research shows that alcohol and miscarriage are linked, with even moderate alcohol consumption increasing miscarriage risk.⁴ Drinking while pregnant can also lead to:

• Stillbirth⁵
• Premature birth⁵
• Low birth weight⁶

What Happens If You Drank Before Knowing You Were Pregnant?

Many women worry about drinking early in pregnancy before they knew they were expecting. If you’re in this situation, try not to panic. Drinking before knowing pregnant is more common than you might think, and a small amount of alcohol in very early pregnancy is unlikely to cause significant harm.⁶

The most important step is to stop drinking immediately once you discover you’re pregnant. 

Unplanned Pregnancy Support is One Call Away 

We understand. An unplanned pregnancy can be stressful enough without the fear that something has already gone wrong. You aren’t in this alone. Pregnancy Center Line can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free pregnancy services so that you can get the care and support you deserve. 

Reach out today to get started.

Please be aware that Pregnancy Decision Line does not provide or refer for abortion services.