Alcohol and pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful, mysterious, and sometimes confusing journey. For many moms‑to‑be, it comes with food aversions, unusual cravings, and emotional waves that don’t always make sense. One minute you’re craving a meal you last ate at 10 years old, the next minute you suddenly can’t stand the smell of onions, tomatoes, your husband’s perfume or sometimes the husband himself (pun intended 😄).

For some moms however, pregnancy feels completely normal; no nausea, no vomiting, no cravings, no aversions. Every body and every pregnancy is different, and that’s perfectly okay.

But here’s an important question that comes up often, especially among breastfeeding moms in Kenya and expectant moms:

“If I enjoy a glass of wine once in a while, can I still take alcohol while pregnant?”

Or even:

“What if I suddenly crave wine does that mean it’s okay to drink it?”

Let’s break it down clearly.

What Happens When You Drink Alcohol During Pregnancy

Your growing baby receives oxygen and nutrients through the placenta which is connected directly to your bloodstream. When you drink alcohol, it enters your blood, and the same alcohol reaches your baby.

This is where the danger begins.

Just like other harmful substances such as cocaine or heroin, alcohol crosses into the baby’s system. With drugs, babies are sometimes born dependent and go through painful withdrawal, heartbreaking but medically manageable.

But alcohol works differently.
Instead of withdrawal symptoms, alcohol affects the baby’s brain development and nervous system permanently. This condition is called:

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A preventable disorder that affects the baby for life.

Effects of Alcohol Intake in Kenya During Pregnancy

Babies exposed to alcohol before birth may experience:

• Delayed growth
• Learning and memory difficulties
• Behavioural and emotional challenges
• Speech delays
• Poor coordination
• Distinct facial features associated with FAS

  

These effects cannot be reversed, and they last a lifetime.

So, Can You Drink Alcohol While Pregnant?

✔️ Short answer: No.
There is no safe amount of alcohol proven for pregnancy.
Even small amounts may affect your baby’s development.

If you feel like you cannot do without alcohol, this may be a sign of dependence, and seeking help is very important not just for the baby, but for your wellbeing too.

What About After Birth; During Lactation & Breastfeeding?

This is also important for breastfeeding moms in Kenya. Alcohol still enters breastmilk.
If you must drink occasionally (for example at a wedding), you should:

• Pump and store beforehand
• Wait at least 2–3 hours per drink before nursing
• Never drink heavily while caring for a newborn
• Never co‑sleep after drinking risk of suffocation increases

For lactation, the safest choice is always alcohol‑free periods, especially in the first months.

Final Reminder

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are temporary seasons. Protecting your baby’s brain, future abilities, and health is worth every sacrifice.

If you are struggling or feel emotionally overwhelmed, please talk to a professional or reach out to a trusted support system. You’re not alone.

Your baby deserves the best start. And so do you.