Alcohol crosses the placenta to the fetus

Because the fetus metabolises alcohol more slowly than an adult does, the blood alcohol concentrations can be higher than the mothers.

There is no known amount of alcohol that is safe to drink while pregnant

As researchers we don't know how much alcohol, if any, is safe to drink during pregnancy. Evidence shows that the level of harm is highest when there are high risk patterns of maternal alcohol use and that binge drinking is especially harmful. For women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, not drinking is the safest option.

There is no safe time to drink during pregnancy

Alcohol can harm a developing baby at any time during pregnancy. It can cause problems in the early weeks of pregnancy, before a woman even knows she is pregnant and right up to the end of pregnancy.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause a baby to be born with life-long disabilities

The effects of fetal alcohol exposure are life-long and may not be seen at birth. A minority of children may be identified by abnormal facial features (with or without other birth defects), poor growth and abnormalities of the brain and its functions. Some children with a FASD may not look different to other children but will experience signficiant difficulties with behaviour, learning and development caused by alcohol's damage to differnt parts of the brain. 

No alcohol in pregnancy is the safest option

For women who are planning pregnancy, stopping drinking during the preconception stage will ensure that alcohol exposure is avoided during the early stages of pregnancy (before pregnancy is known).  The reality is that many women may find it difficult to stay alcohol free during pregnancy and may need support to avoid alcohol during this time.