This is the third edition (2026) of this book. It is given to all parents-to-be. My Pregnancy is filled with expert advice from health professionals in the HSE, including doctors, midwives, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists and many more. Our team has worked to give you the best advice on caring for yourself and your baby during your pregnancy, labour and birth. After the birth, you will receive 2 other books from your public health nurse: My Child: 0 to 2 years My Child: 2 to 5 years. We hope that you can use these books and the website as a companion for every step from pregnancy through your child’s first 5 years. For more information on pregnancy and child health, visit mychild.ie

P.49 Alcohol and pregnancy - It is best to not drink alcohol at all if you are pregnant. Alcohol can damage your baby’s developing brain and body. Drinking while pregnant doesn’t mean your baby will definitely be harmed, but it can happen. The effects may not be evident at birth. Alcohol passes from the mother’s blood into the baby’s blood through the placenta. The placenta does not act as a barrier to alcohol.

How alcohol causes harm: Drinking alcohol while pregnant can cause: • miscarriage • your baby being born premature or with a low birth weight • foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) •  foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) FASD causes problems with a baby’s body, brain, behaviour and can cause problems throughout a person’s life. For example: • hyperactivity and poor attention • learning difficulties and a lower IQ • difficulty getting along with other people • being smaller than expected • problems with eating and sleeping • emotional and mental health problems
Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is more serious. It can happen when you drink heavily during your pregnancy at levels that exceed low risk alcohol use guidelines. In addition to all the signs of FASD listed above, your baby may: • be smaller than normal or underweight • have damage to their brain and spinal cord • have an abnormally small head or eyes, abnormally-shaped ears or facial features • have problems with their heart or other organs.

Drinking alcohol at any time can cause damage. This is because your baby’s brain develops throughout pregnancy. Drinking, especially drinking in excess of low risk guidelines during the first three months of pregnancy, is particularly harmful. This is the time when your baby’s body organs and facial features are developing.

Will the occasional drink do any harm? • There is no proven level of safe drinking during pregnancy. • Heavy or frequent drinking is particularly dangerous. • The safest thing you can do is not to drink alcohol at all during pregnancy.
What if I have already drunk alcohol during my pregnancy? Stop drinking alcohol for the rest of your pregnancy. The less your baby is exposed to alcohol over the course of the pregnancy, the greater their chance for healthy brain growth and development. Try not to worry. The main thing is that you stop now.

How others can help Your partner, family and friends can help by: • avoiding drinking alcohol around you •  taking part in social activities with you that don’t revolve around alcohol • helping you reduce the stress in your life For more information and help to stop drinking alcohol, you can: • talk to your GP, obstetrician or midwife • visit askaboutalcohol.ie • call the HSE Alcohol and Drugs Helpline for free on 1800 459 459 and speak in confidence with a professional.

P.51 Smoking during pregnancy If you are pregnant and you smoke, the best thing you can do for your baby is to stop. Quitting smoking can be difficult, so ask for help. The earlier you stop, the greater the benefits. Stopping completely is the only effective way to protect yourself and your baby. It’s never too late. Smoking when pregnant is harmful to you and your baby. Inhaling smoke from other people’s cigarettes (passive smoking) can also harm your baby. Smoking cuts down the amount of oxygen and nutrients that get to your baby through the placenta. As soon as you stop, the chemicals will start to clear from your body and your baby will get more oxygen....

P.52 Drugs and chemicals Illegal, recreational or ‘street’ drugs Do not be afraid to tell your healthcare team if you are using drugs. Your midwives and doctors are there to support you, they will not judge you. You may be offered substitute medication to reduce your drug use and stabilise you. You and your baby are less likely to become ill if your doctor and midwife know.

It is not safe to take the following drugs during pregnancy: • marijuana • crack or cocaine • crystal meth •  ecstasy • LSD • heroin Taking these drugs could harm you or your baby. If you are using drugs, the sooner you get advice the better. Talk to your GP.
Babies born to mothers who take drugs may: • be born too early or too small • have birth defects or medical problems • have problems learning • go through drug withdrawal
Heroin If you are using heroin, do not stop this suddenly. Get advice from your GP immediately.
Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines are sometimes called benzos. If you are using benzodiazepines, do not stop these suddenly. These should be reduced gradually during the pregnancy. Cocaine Cocaine can be stopped suddenly.
Methadone Reducing methadone doses during pregnancy is possible but needs to be done under medical supervision. This is because there is a risk of miscarriage, premature birth and relapse.
To get help • Call the HSE Drugs Helpline on 1800 459 459. • Go to drugs.ie • Talk to your GP, obstetrician or midwife.