Impact of Alcohol on Fertility and Pregnancy

Alcohol consumption can have a significant impact on both fertility and pregnancy. In women, heavy drinking can disrupt menstrual cycles, decrease estrogen levels, and cause ovulation problems, leading to difficulty in getting pregnant. In men, heavy drinking can reduce sperm count and motility, as well as increase abnormal sperm morphology.

During pregnancy, alcohol can cross the placenta and harm the developing fetus. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in babies whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. These conditions can cause physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities that can last a lifetime.

There is no safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy, and the best approach is to avoid alcohol completely while trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy.