Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy

The Australian Alcohol Guidelines state that consuming fewer than seven drinks per week, with no more than two drinks on any one day, is a safe level for drinking during pregnancy.

The Guidelines have been endorsed by the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy, which is Australia’s highest decision-making body for alcohol and drug policy. The Council comprises the Australian Government and State and Territory Health and Law Enforcement Ministers, including Justice and Police Ministers and the Australian Government Minister for Education. The New Zealand Government is also represented on the Council.

The Alcohol Problems and Solutions website suggests that abstaining from alcohol is the very safest choice for the fetus, although it might not be so for the pregnant woman.

It’s important that all medical questions and assessment of risks be made in consultation with a physician. This website does not provide health or medical advice and none should be inferred.

Reference:

  • Australian Government: National Drug Strategy. Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy, May 15, 2006 (http://www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au/councils/communique_150506.htm); Australian Medical Association. Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Should Take Front Seat, Australian Medical Association. AMA press release, May 19, 2006.

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