I didn't give much thought to alcohol's impact on the body until I started planning for a baby. But alcohol is a drug that impacts almost every organ in the body, including (but not only) the brain, liver, heart and reproductive system.

When my husband and I started planning for pregnancy, we spoke to our obstetrician and decided to take a closer look at both of our alcohol use. I began abstaining from alcohol six months before we started trying to conceive, and it was the right decision for us. With my baby now three months old, I've been surprised that I really haven't missed having a drink.

Once you understand how alcohol affects women's bodies — from hormone balance and egg quality to a developing baby's brain — it becomes really hard to see a drink of alcohol as "just" a drink. It confirms that we all deserve clear, evidence-based information so we can make informed decisions that line up with our health, fertility and pregnancy plans.

What "low‑risk" drinking actually means.

The National Health and Medical Research Council's Australian Alcohol Guidelines have been developed to give advice to the community on the health risks of alcohol, by pulling together the best available scientific evidence in one place. While there's no safe level of alcohol use, these guidelines are helpful in supporting people to make informed decisions about their alcohol use.

The recommendation is for healthy women and men to drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week, and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. The message is simple: the less you drink, the lower your risk of alcohol-related harm.

A "standard drink" is often less than you think, which means it's easy to unintentionally go over the recommended limit. Regularly drinking above the guidelines increases the risk of long-term health conditions like cancer, heart disease and liver disease.

Alcohol, hormones and fertility.

When it comes to alcohol and fertility, it isn't just about the odd "big night"; any amount of alcohol use can influence the delicate hormonal systems that run a menstrual cycle. Research shows alcohol can disrupt reproductive hormone regulation, which may lead to irregular ovulation and menstrual cycles and, in turn, increase the time it takes to become pregnant.

Alcohol may also interfere with the environment of the uterus by impacting the hormones that support the uterine lining, as well as egg quality. This can make it harder for successful implantation of a fertilised egg into the uterus, and for pregnancy to continue and develop healthily.

It's important to see fertility as a team sport too. There is evidence that alcohol impacts sperm count and quality, which means a male partner's drinking can also play a role in how long it takes to conceive. For couples trying for a baby, having a shared conversation about alcohol — and possibly deciding to reduce or abstain together — can support both partners' reproductive health.

Why pregnancy changes the rules.

The pregnancy and alcohol guidelines are very clear: to prevent harm from alcohol to an unborn child, those who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol. Alcohol is a teratogen, which is a substance that can interfere with the development of an unborn baby's organs and brain, even before a pregnancy has been confirmed.

When alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, it crosses the placenta and enters the baby's bloodstream, meaning the baby's blood alcohol concentration level becomes similar to the mother's. While the mother's liver can break alcohol down, a developing baby's organs cannot process it in the same way, which is why even small amounts can have a disproportionate impact.

Then there's the tricky window before you know you're pregnant. Most don't know the exact moment they become pregnant, and many parents only find out at four to six weeks, when development is already well underway. Brain development begins about three weeks after conception and continues throughout pregnancy, making all stages — particularly the early weeks — vulnerable to the effects of alcohol.

Because of this, guidelines recommend that women who are trying to conceive, avoid alcohol altogether.

What to know about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Any amount of alcohol during pregnancy can disrupt the development of an unborn baby's organs and brain, leading to a range of lifelong physical, learning and behavioural difficulties known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Alcohol use, even at low levels, has been linked with FASD, and the risk increases with heavier and more frequent drinking.

There is no known safe time or amount of alcohol during pregnancy, which is why Australian and international experts are aligned in recommending alcohol-free pregnancies. If you do drink during pregnancy, it's never too late to stop or reduce drinking to lower the risk of harm to both you and baby.

The resources that can help.

Alcohol. Think Again has a variety of online resources on alcohol, pregnancy and health, including tools to help you understand standard drinks and learn about the health impacts of your use. If alcohol feels like it has more control than you would like — whether you're planning a pregnancy, already pregnant, or simply rethinking your health — reaching out for support is a strong and proactive step.

If you're pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, and are worried about your drinking, it's important to remember that stopping now can still make a meaningful difference. The next best step is to talk to your GP, midwife or obstetrician to help and support you without judgement.

How did you give up drinking during pregnancy? Share your tips in the comments section below.

Find out more about alcohol and your health , including its impact on fetal development.

For anyone concerned about their own or another person's alcohol or drug use, including during pregnancy, the Alcohol and Drug Support Line is a free, confidential, non-judgemental telephone counselling, information and referral service. Contact them 24 hours a day on 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024 (country callers).

For FASD information and support, phone the NOFASD Helpline on 1800 860 613 or visit nofasd.org.au

Featured image: Getty.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Alcohol Think Again

Any amount of alcohol during pregnancy can interrupt the organ and brain development of an unborn baby resulting in a range of lifelong physical, mental, and behavioural disabilities, known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Brain development begins just 3 weeks after conception and continues for the entire pregnancy. This means that the brain of an unborn baby can be impacted by alcohol during all three trimesters, with the earlier stages of pregnancy being particularly sensitive.
To reduce the risk of harm to an unborn baby, it's recommended women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should not drink alcohol.