Thousands of pregnant women continue to take alcohol while pregnant despite unwavering advice to the contrary. This begs the question, is it safe for pregnant women to drink alcohol during pregnancy? If you’re pregnant, don’t drink any alcohol.

Understanding the Context

Avoiding alcohol during pregnancy is a core message from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ... Drinking less is better for your health than drinking more. You can lower your health risks by drinking less or choosing not to drink. Your liver can only process small amounts of alcohol.

Key Insights

The rest of the alcohol can harm your liver and other organs as it moves through the body. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination. Drinking alcohol can also increase the risk of stroke. When it comes to alcohol, if you don't drink, don't start for health reasons.

Final Thoughts

Drinking moderately if you're otherwise healthy may be a risk you're willing to take. But heavy drinking carries a much higher risk even for those without other health concerns. Be sure to ask your healthcare professional about what's right for your health and safety. For millions of people, alcohol is a regular part of their lives. But there are many downsides to drinking - some familiar, others less well appreciated. And concerns about the risks of even moderate drinking are on the rise.

Drinking alcohol can have profound effects on the brain and body. In the moment, some of those effects can be pleasurable. Alcohol’s Effects on the Body: What Does Drinking Do to Your Health ...