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Prevention

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Alcohol can cross the placenta and affect the development of the baby’s brain, nervous system, and body. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can also increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birthweight.

 

This page is here to inform and support, not to blame or shame. Many people drink alcohol before they realise they are pregnant, and some find it difficult to stop. What matters most is having clear information, compassionate support, and practical help when it is needed.

 

FASD is preventable when alcohol is avoided during pregnancy. The safest choice is not to drink alcohol when pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or when there is a chance of becoming pregnant.

 

If alcohol has already been used, stop immediately because the baby’s brain continues to develop throughout pregnancy. Anyone finding it difficult to stop drinking deserves confidential, non-judgemental support from a GP, midwife, local alcohol service, or specialist support organisation.

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  • There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy

  • There is no known safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy

  • Stopping alcohol use can reduce risk

  • Support is available, and asking for help is a positive step

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Check your relationship with alcohol HERE; a free confidential online check in

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Take the Next Step

Choose the option that feels right for you if you are planning a pregnancy, already pregnant, worried about alcohol use, or supporting someone else, confidential help is available.

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  • Speak to a GP or midwife

  • Find alcohol support (below)

  • Learn about FASD

  • Support someone else

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Why avoiding alcohol matters

Alcohol can pass through the placenta to the developing baby. A baby cannot break down alcohol like an adult can. This means alcohol can affect how the baby grows and develops, especially the brain and nervous system.

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The brain develops throughout pregnancy. This is why avoiding alcohol at every stage is the safest way to reduce the risk of FASD.

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FASD is called a spectrum because it can affect people in different ways. Some children and adults will need support with:

  • learning and memory

  • attention and concentration

  • communication and understanding information

  • emotional regulation and behaviour

  • sensory processing

  • movement, coordination, or physical health

  • everyday routines and independence

  • linked to up to 428 co-occurring conditions

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These needs are not always easy to see. Understanding, early support, and informed care can make a real difference.

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This information is shared to support informed choices, not to blame anyone. Many pregnancies are not planned, and many people receive mixed messages about alcohol. If alcohol has been used during pregnancy, stop now and asking for support can still help.

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Planning ahead

Because many pregnancies are unplanned, the safest choice is to stop drinking alcohol when planning a pregnancy or when there is a chance of becoming pregnant. This is a positive, protective step rather than a judgement on anyone’s past choices. If you think you may be pregnant, stopping alcohol as soon as possible can help reduce risk.

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It is never too late to stop

If alcohol has been used during pregnancy, it is still worth stopping at any stage. Vital brain growth and development continue throughout pregnancy, so stopping alcohol use can improve the baby’s health and wellbeing. If you are worried about alcohol you have already had, speak to a midwife, GP, or another trusted healthcare professional for advice and support.

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The safest approach: no alcohol in pregnancy

The UK Chief Medical Officer advises that if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all. There is no known safe amount of alcohol and no known safe time to drink during pregnancy. Avoiding alcohol completely keeps risks to the baby as low as possible.

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Getting help and support

If stopping drinking feels difficult, you are not alone and help is available. A GP, midwife, health visitor, alcohol support service, or specialist support network can offer confidential, non-judgemental advice. For people who drink regularly or may be dependent on alcohol, it is especially important to get medical support before stopping, as withdrawal may need to be managed safely.

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Alcohol support 

If you are worried about your own drinking or someone else’s drinking, support is available across the UK. You can start with a GP, midwife, local alcohol service, or one of the national support options below.

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If you drink heavily or feel dependent on alcohol, do not stop suddenly without medical advice. A GP, midwife, NHS 111, or local alcohol service can help you reduce or stop drinking as safely as possible.
 

 

For partners, family, and friends

Support from the people around a pregnant person can make alcohol-free pregnancy easier. Helpful support can include choosing alcohol-free activities, keeping alcohol out of social plans, offering encouragement without judgement, and asking what practical help would be most useful.

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Frequently asked questions

What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong condition that can happen when a baby is exposed to alcohol before birth. It can affect learning, behaviour, physical health, communication, memory, attention, and emotional regulation. Every person with FASD is different, and early support can make a positive difference.


Is there a safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy?
No safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy has been identified. The safest approach is to avoid alcohol completely if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or think you could become pregnant.


Is there a safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy?
No safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy has been identified. A baby’s brain and body develop throughout pregnancy, so avoiding alcohol at every stage helps keep risk as low as possible.


I drank alcohol before I knew I was pregnant. What should I do?
Many people drink before they realise they are pregnant. Try not to panic or blame yourself. The most helpful next step is to stop drinking once you know or suspect you are pregnant, and speak to a midwife, GP, or healthcare professional if you have concerns.


Is it too late to stop drinking if I am already pregnant?
No. It is never too late to stop drinking during pregnancy. Brain growth and development continue throughout pregnancy, so stopping alcohol use at any point can support the baby’s health and wellbeing.


Where can I get help if stopping drinking feels difficult?
You can speak confidentially with a GP, midwife, pharmacist, health visitor, or local alcohol support service. If you drink regularly or feel dependent on alcohol, medical support is important so any reduction or stopping plan can be managed safely.


How can partners, family, and friends help?
Supportive people can make a big difference by listening without judgement, avoiding pressure to drink, planning alcohol-free activities, and helping the pregnant person access practical or professional support if they want it.
 

Trusted information

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