Pregnancy and alcohol
The safest approach is not to drink at all while you’re expecting.
Experts are still unsure exactly how much – if any – alcohol is safe for you to have while you’re pregnant.
Alcohol and your baby
When you drink, alcohol passes from your blood through the placenta and to your baby. A baby’s liver is one of the last organs to fully develop and doesn’t mature until the later stages of pregnancy. So, if your baby is exposed to too much alcohol it can seriously affect their development.
Drinking alcohol when pregnant is potentially most harmful for your baby in the first three months. This is when it is linked to miscarriage and birth abnormalities.
Local support
If you have difficulty cutting down what you drink when pregnant, talk to your midwife, doctor or pharmacist.
You can also visit theĀ Greenwich Community Directory, or use our online tool to find out about confidential help and support available in the borough.
For more information about alcohol and pregnancy, please visit the NHS Choices website.
Useful Links
- NHS Choices - pregnancy and alcohol Information and advice about what happens if you drink when pregnant.
- Do you know when to stop? Quick and easy tool to help you understand how much alcohol you drink and what this means, and signposting to local support.
Downloads
- Are you pregnant or a new parent? Find timetabled activities including sessions, groups and more. Download the flyer to find out more.
- The Best Start - Advice for feeding and caring for your baby: the health benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and mums. Download the flyer.
- Breastfeeding drop-in groups Drop-ins taking place across the borough.
- Breastfeeding in Greenwich Information, support and advice about breastfeeding. Download the business card.
- Where can I get my FREE Healthy Start Vitamins? Download our guide.
Helping you Live Well in Greenwich
Live Well Greenwich Line
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