Drinking alcohol

Excessive drinking, combined with poor nutrition can lead to a condition known as fetal alcohol syndrome, where the baby is born with a small head and an unusual facial appearance, among other problems. It is not known exactly what quantity of alcohol consumption is safe or at what stage of pregnancy that consumption is harmful to the unborn child. Most studies do not report any adverse outcome from women drinking up to 8 units (I unit = 1 glass of wine, 1 glass of beer) per week. It is assumed that the alcohol is taken as part of a meal, and not all at the same time. Where possible the best choice is to avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy.

Heavy drinking can reduce a man’s sperm count