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AMA (NSW) is urging women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant to avoid alcohol this holiday season.
“I always tell my patients to pass on the bubbles and boozy treats during the festive season,” said obstetrician/gynaecologist and AMA (NSW) Councillor, Dr Andrew Zuschmann.
“If you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant you should avoid alcohol at any time of the year, but it can be especially tricky when friends and family gather together to celebrate the holidays. However, by choosing mocktails over cocktails you’ll be giving your baby the best gift ever this Christmas – a healthy start to life.”
There is no safe amount of alcohol or no safe time to drink during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. Alcohol passes from mother to baby through the umbilical cord and can increase risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birthweight, as well as a range of disabilities after the baby is born. Drinking during pregnancy can result in your baby developing a serious condition known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
“For couples trying to conceive it’s important to know that alcohol can reduce both men’s and women’s fertility.
“For men, heavy drinking can cause impotence, reduce your sex drive and sexual performance, as well as affect the quality of your sperm. For women, alcohol can result in heavy or irregular periods, as well as affect ovulation which can make it difficult to conceive.
“I recommend couples go alcohol free together – it’s good for your health, the baby’s health, and means you can start the parenthood journey in a supportive partnership,” Dr Zuschmann said.
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