Portsmouth Wellbeing Service

No safe time, no safe amount

Some people believe that drinking a small amount of alcohol is safe, but there is no proven safe level of alcohol during pregnancy.

Drinking alcohol, including beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, cider and low-alcohol drinks can harm your baby at any stage of pregnancy. Guidance is clear that if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant, the safest choice is not to drink any alcohol at all.

The Drymester campaign aims to inspire and support people to go alcohol free when pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Drymester heading. Text beneath reads: No safe amount, no safe time.

Where to get support

We know going alcohol free during pregnancy might be difficult for some people. It’s important to remember that there is support to help you.  If you drink alcohol, you can talk to your midwife, your GP or Portsmouth Wellbeing Service for advice on how to stop drinking safely.

If you are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy

Whether you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or helping someone who’s pregnant, it’s important to know how drinking alcohol may harm your baby.

There’s no known safe time or safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. The best and safest approach is not to drink any alcohol at all.

If you have already drunk alcohol while pregnant, please don’t panic. The important thing is to stop drinking alcohol now to help protect your baby.

When you go for your pregnancy check-ups, your midwife will ask if you drink alcohol. They ask everyone this question as it helps them give you the right care and support.

Alcohol goes straight into your growing baby’s blood system. It can harm your baby. The risks can include baby loss, the baby being born early, a low birth weight and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Watch the below video to find out more about FASD.

 

Phrases to help you avoid alcohol during pregnancy

Not sure what to say when you’re offered a drink? Here are some simple suggested responses that can help you feel confident saying no to alcohol in different situations.
  • “I’ll have a mocktail – they’re much healthier.”
  • “No thanks, I’m driving.”
  • “Maybe later. I’ll have a fresh orange juice for now.”
  • “I’m following my midwife’s advice, there’s no safe time or safe amount to drink during pregnancy.”
  • “No thanks, I’m not taking any risks. My baby’s health comes first.”
  • “I’m going alcohol free, so there’s no point trying to tempt me at every round.”

Helping someone to go alcohol-free

If a friend or family member is pregnant, your support really matters.

Here are some top tips to support your pregnant partner through their ‘drymester’:

  • Stop drinking alcohol together – it can help your partner if you stop drinking alcohol during the pregnancy too. There are lots of benefits of cutting down on alcohol.
  • Help friends and family understand – some people may say, “One drink won’t hurt.” Help your partner by explaining your decision to give up alcohol to friends and family, by telling them there is no safe time and no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.
  • Offer alcohol-free drinks – if you go out with friends or have them in your home, offer non-alcohol alternatives
  • Plan fun things to do – think of activities to do together that don’t involve drinking alcohol.

Breastfeeding and alcohol advice

Anything you eat or drink, including alcohol, can pass into your breast milk. Research has shown that regularly drinking more than 2 units (2 units =a small glass of wine or a can of beer) a day while breastfeeding can affect how your baby grows.

If you are breastfeeding and choose to drink alcohol:

  • Drink no more than 1 or 2 units a week
  • Only drink alcohol once or twice a week
  • Wait 2 to 3 hours per unit after drinking before breastfeeding

You can plan ahead by using your breast pump to express milk before you go out. After the event, you can use the milk you expressed earlier in the evening. Bear in mind your breasts may become uncomfortably full if you leave long gaps between feeds.

For more breastfeeding advice and details of local support, visit the Family Assist portal.

Safe sleeping advice

Drinking alcohol may make you less aware of your baby’s needs. If you have been drinking alcohol, you should ask a trusted adult who has not had any alcohol to care for your baby. Never sleep on a bed or sofa with your baby if you have drunk any alcohol, as it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

For more safe sleeping support, please contact the Health Visiting service.

For professionals

Help spread the Drymester message

Help us to share the Drymester campaign and raise awareness around the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Resources

Here are some resources and materials you can share to help share messages around drymester. To request any printed materials, please email publichealth@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Document icon Drymester social media assets
Document icon Drymester A4 poster