Drinking Alcohol When Trying to Conceive – Is it Safe?

Once the mother conceives, continued drinking through pregnancy may affect fetal health and result in birth defects in the baby. It can also result in conditions such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the newborn. Hence it is advisable for both the man and the woman to stop drinking 3 to 6 months or at least a month before starting to plan a family.

[Read : Alcohol During Pregnancy]

Does Drinking Alcohol Affect Fertility?

Yes, consuming alcohol while attempting to conceive may make it more difficult for you to get pregnant. This effect can occur even with moderate alcohol intake. Research suggests that consuming as little as one to five alcoholic drinks per week can decrease fertility. If you limit yourself to one drink or less per day, it can actually enhance your fertility compared to those who consume higher amounts.

It’s important to note that drinking alcohol before pregnancy not only reduces your chances of conceiving but also increases the risk of premature birth or having a baby with a lower birth weight than optimal. Even a small quantity of alcohol can harm an unborn baby, even before pregnancy begins.

That’s why it is recommended for both men and women to completely avoid drinking alcohol when trying to conceive. This helps eliminate any risks that could have serious effects now and in the future. Drinking alcohol while trying to get pregnant can cause various problems.

[Read : What is Premature Delivery]

Can You Drink Alcohol When Trying to Conceive?

No, it is not safe to drink alcohol when trying to conceive. According to the CDC, nearly 75% of women continue to consume alcohol while planning to get pregnant. However, determining the exact moment of conception is a matter of chance. Your body won’t send a signal to stop drinking the instant the sperm meets the egg.

That’s why the CDC and other experts strongly advise that all women who are not using birth control, particularly those actively trying to conceive, completely refrain from consuming alcohol.

Heavy drinking can disrupt your menstrual cycle, potentially interfering with your plans to conceive. This also interferes with your plans for a successful pregnancy. For this reason, it is important to avoid alcohol entirely or, at the very least, reduce its consumption.

Does Alcohol Affect Conception and Implantation?

Consuming alcohol does indeed have an impact on the process of conception and the implantation of a fertilized egg. It increases the risk of early pregnancy loss. There are multiple reasons behind this:

• In women, heavy drinking can lead to changes in ovulation, irregular menstrual cycles, and diminished ovarian reserve. These factors can disrupt the timely release of eggs and reduce the chances of successful fertilization.
• Alcohol can impede the proper implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. This can result in early pregnancy loss or even resorption of the embryo, often before a woman becomes aware of her pregnancy.
• For men, excessive alcohol consumption can decrease the production of hormones crucial for sperm production. This can lead to a decline in sperm quality, motility, and overall fertility, further affecting the chances of conception.

Does Alcohol Affect IVF Treatment?

Alcohol consumption during infertility treatments such as IVF can negatively impact pregnancy outcomes. Women undergoing IVF and consuming one or more alcoholic drinks per day may have more than twice the risk of experiencing a miscarriage. The risk of miscarriage is even higher with alcohol consumption in the week leading up to the IVF treatment. In the case of men, consuming just one serving of alcohol per day either a week or a month before IVF treatment can increase the chances of miscarriages.

The National Health Service (NHS) also strongly advises against consuming alcohol when pregnant or actively trying to conceive. To ensure the safest approach when attempting to conceive, you must completely abstain from alcohol.

[Read : Your Comprehensive Guide to an IVF Treatment]

Can Alcohol Harm a Fertilized Egg?

Yes, alcohol can start causing harm right after conception, even to a newly formed embryo. A woman consuming alcohol within just three weeks of conception can lead to birth defects in the growing embryo. These defects can have a serious impact on the development of important organs like the brain, heart, and central nervous system. The formation of facial features can be affected during this critical stage of embryo development.

To put it simply, alcohol can be harmful to a fertilized egg and the newly forming embryo right from the beginning. Within a short period of three weeks, alcohol can cause significant problems in the development of vital organs and the face. This is why it’s crucial to completely avoid alcohol during the early stages of pregnancy to ensure the baby’s health and proper growth.

FAQ’s

1. How Much Alcohol is Safe For Fertility?

Alcohol is not safe for fertility. Even a glass or two of alcohol per day can interfere with your ability to conceive. Studies have shown that alcohol can affect hormones and ovulation, making it harder to figure out the best time to conceive. Even drinking small amounts of alcohol can increase the time it takes to get pregnant.

2. Does Alcohol Affect Egg Quality?

Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact egg quality in women. It can disrupt hormone levels, interfere with ovulation, and potentially damage the genetic material in eggs. This can reduce fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. While the impact may vary, it is generally recommended to minimize or avoid alcohol when trying to conceive for optimal fertility and healthy pregnancy.

Read Also: Smoking And Low Sperm Count – Causes And Diagnosis