Pregnancy and breastfeeding are special times in your life.
In order to ensure your baby grows well and stays healthy during this time, there is one clear recommendation:
Avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Alcohol during pregnancy
Alcohol is a cell toxin. This means it can destroy cells and disrupt your baby’s development. When you drink alcohol, it passes directly to your baby via the placenta and the umbilical cord. The baby’s organs are not yet fully developed. That is why alcohol stays in the baby’s body for longer, and can cause harm once it is there.
Important: even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous.
No amount is safe.
What might happen to the baby?
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to various problems:
Effects on the baby’s body:
- The baby may be underweight.
- Vital organs such as the heart or kidneys may be damaged.
- The face may be shaped differently.
Later-stage consequences:
- The child may often be restless or get angry easily.
- They may have difficulty concentrating.
- They may have difficulties with learning and behaviour.
These problems cannot be cured – but they can largely be prevented!
What you can do:
If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are planning on becoming pregnant:
- do not drink alcohol – not even occasionally or just a little.
- Avoid alcohol in any form, including alcohol contained in food or sweets.
- Ask others for support. For example, by making sure that nobody in your vicinity drinks alcohol.
Do you find it difficult to give up alcohol, or are you unable to do so?
Get some help! With advice and support, it’s easier than doing it alone.
Alcohol while breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding and drink alcohol, the alcohol will pass into your baby’s system via your breast milk. That can be dangerous too.
Possible consequences for your baby:
- Your baby may sleep less well or be more restless.
- It may cause stomach ache.
- Your body may produce less breast milk.
- Breastfeeding can be more difficult.
- Your bond with the baby may suffer.
Our clear advice: avoid alcohol while breastfeeding.
Family, friends and colleagues can help:
It’s not just pregnant and breastfeeding women for whom this matters. Everyone around the baby can help to protect it before and after birth. For example:
- Do not drink alcohol when pregnant or breastfeeding women are nearby.
- Offer non-alcoholic drinks.
- Accept a simple “No, thank you” when it comes to alcohol.
Do you have any questions or need help?
If you drink alcohol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding and are finding it difficult to stop, please speak to a healthcare professional about it. For example, with:
- your doctor
- your midwife
- an obstetrician
- a counselling service (Regional Centre of Excellence, CONTACT for expectant mothers and parents)
It is important that other people are informed at an early stage. In doing so, you and your baby can get the best support. Don’t hesitate to talk about it yourself. Don’t wait until someone asks.
You can get advice and information here:
Austrian Alcohol Awareness Week
CONTACT for expectant mothers and parents
You can find further information on the subject of alcohol in these free leaflets:
A break for your baby – Information on alcohol and smoking for expectant mothers and parents
Pregnancy and substance use – Information and support for pregnancy and the postnatal period
