For the health of both mum and baby, it is important to have an alcohol-free pregnancy. This is because alcohol can affect your pregnancy and damage the developing baby from conception.
Alcohol can affect your pregnancy and damage the developing baby from conception. Here’s how:
Alcohol can affect fertility and increase the time it takes to get pregnant.
Even small amounts of alcohol can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
This can affect the quality and release of eggs to be fertilised.
Alcohol can also reduce the number or quality of sperm, reducing your chances of conception and increasing the time it takes to get pregnant.
Most people don’t know the moment they become pregnant.
So, if you’re planning a pregnancy, it is important to stop drinking alcohol as soon as you start trying.
When Lauren and her husband Phil began trying for a baby, the couple made the conscious decision to go alcohol-free for their pregnancy journey.
We share detailed information about alcohol, pregnancy and FASD on our Every Moment Matters website.
If you drink alcohol, stopping can lead to questions from the people around you – especially if they don’t know you’re planning a pregnancy.
Here are some ideas for what you can say if asked why you’re not drinking:
If you drank alcohol before you knew you were pregnant and are concerned, or if you are currently pregnant and are having trouble stopping drinking, talk to your doctor, midwife, or obstetrician.
Health professionals speak to lots of people about alcohol. They can answer your questions and provide information specific to your circumstances. It is never too late to stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Throughout your pregnancy the baby is always developing and growing.
More information
To find a local GP, you can call 1800 022 222 or visit healthdirect.gov.au. To find a local psychologist, visit psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist. If you need other support to reduce your drinking, you can contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
Will you join the community taking action on alcohol?
FARE acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
©2025 FARE
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FARE acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
©2025 FARE
Privacy Statement
T&C
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