If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should avoid alcohol. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines emphasise the importance of minimising health risks associated with alcohol consumption. Specifically, Guideline 3 addresses women who are pregnant or breastfeeding:
- To prevent harm to their unborn child, women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should avoid alcohol.
- For women who are breastfeeding, abstaining from alcohol is safest for their baby.
During pregnancy, it can often feel like everyone around you has advice on what you should or shouldn’t be doing. However, the primary focus should be on creating the healthiest possible environment for your growing baby.
Ways to politely decline the offer of a drink
You should never feel pressured to justify saying “no” to alcohol, although certain situations such as holidays, festive events, or special occasions can make it more challenging to turn down a drink. Here are some polite and simple ways to decline:
- “I’m focusing on my health right now.”
- “I’m not drinking tonight, but I appreciate the offer!”
- “I’m sticking to water for now, but thank you!”
- “I’ve gone alcohol-free and feel great!”
Support those around you
Research* shows that women prefer and value receiving information and advice about alcohol and pregnancy from family and friends. If you’re supporting someone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, consider joining them in abstaining from alcohol as a show of solidarity.
If you’re finding it hard to stop drinking during pregnancy, you’re not alone and there’s no shame in needing support. The ‘Every Moment Matters‘ campaign shares helpful services and safe places you can turn to. Support is out there, and it’s okay to reach for it.
Growing ‘Strong Born’ babies
The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has developed a range of culturally informed resources grounded in cultural knowledge, research, and community experience, under the initiative of the ‘Strong Born’ campaign.
When you’re pregnant, people around you are still going to drink grog. If it’s really hard to stop, you can still yarn up and let people know. Yarn with Elders or community leaders, and your health worker. They can help you.
*Elek, E., Harris, S. L., Squire, C. M., Margolis, M., Weber, M. K., Dang, E. P., & Mitchell, B. (2013). Women’s Knowledge, Views, and Experiences Regarding Alcohol Use and Pregnancy: Opportunities to Improve Health Messages. American Journal of Health Education, 44(4), 177–190. https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2013.768906
