Alcohol passes from your bloodstream to the baby, who cannot process it the way an adult can. Drinking, especially heavily or regularly, raises the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which can cause lasting problems with learning and behaviour.
Because no safe level or safe time has been established, current guidance in many countries is to avoid alcohol entirely throughout pregnancy and ideally when trying to conceive.
If you drank before you knew you were pregnant, the risk from occasional early drinking is generally considered low, but stop now and mention it to your doctor or midwife. If you find it hard to stop drinking, tell your healthcare provider, who can offer confidential support and help without judgment.