Helping others

We can all support someone’s decision to have an alcohol-free pregnancy – whether it is through planning social events without alcohol, providing plenty of alcohol-free alternatives, or joining them in going alcohol-free.

Pregnant woman and friend laughing together at party, holding glasses of juice

Supporting an alcohol-free
pregnancy

You can do a lot to support someone who is pregnant or planning a pregnancy to remain alcohol-free.

Not drinking alcohol is more manageable when others are not drinking, when there are tasty and healthy alternatives, and when events or gatherings don’t involve alcohol.

Alcohol affects all stages of pregnancy

Alcohol can affect fertility, increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth, and damage the developing baby’s brain, body, and organs.

That’s why the moment someone starts trying to get pregnant is the moment to stop drinking alcohol.

How canI help?

Respect the decision of your partner, friend, or family member to have an alcohol-free pregnancy to keep themselves and their baby healthy.

Also go alcohol-free for the duration of the pregnancy.

Avoid drinking alcohol when you are together and don’t offer alcoholic drinks or sips of your drink.

Choose ways of socialising that don’t involve alcohol, like going to a café, meeting for dinner, or unwinding with a walk.

Provide support if they are being pressured to drink alcohol in social situations.

Let family and friends know they are not drinking alcohol and encourage others to support their alcohol-free pregnancy.

Offer non-alcoholic drinks or bring non-alcoholic drinks to social events.

Maternity photo of a young woman with a short hair pixie cut in her third trimester with child.

Want to know more about alcohol and pregnancy?

Alcohol at any stage of pregnancy can damage a developing baby’s brain, body, and organs and lead to a lifelong disability known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Learn more

Support is available

If your loved one is finding it hard to stop drinking, they can speak with their doctor, midwife, obstetrician, or an alcohol support service.

A range of support is available to help you or your family member with any concerns about alcohol, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Find a service

Related information

Man and pregnant woman sitting together on sofa while looking at phone

Common questions

Answers to common questions about alcohol, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, based on the latest evidence and proven advice.

Woman smiling at healthcare professional in clinic

Support services

Services are available to support you or a family member with any concerns about alcohol, including specialist pregnancy support services for people with alcohol dependence.

Resources

Short, evidence-based resources that provide extra information about alcohol and pregnancy, alcohol and breastfeeding, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and related topics.

Pregnant woman sitting with female friend and showing photo of ultrasound

Community stories

Personal stories about people’s experiences of alcohol, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).