Alcohol

Experts do not agree on the impact of alcohol consumption on fertility. It has not previously been possible to demonstrate that consumption of less than five units a week has a negative effect. However, a recent Danish study called this into question and demonstrated that even small amounts of alcohol reduce the chances of pregnancy.

If a woman consumes 5-10 units a week, the chances of pregnancy are reduced by 30-40 per cent. If she drinks more than fifteen units a week, the chances of pregnancy are reduced to a third relative to a woman who does not drink alcohol.

Alcohol is a poison for cells and affects foetal development, especially development of the foetal brain, during pregnancy.

We recommend: The woman should not get drunk, which means that she should not drink the week's entire ration on Saturday night. She should preferably refrain from drinking and not drink more than a couple of units a week. This means that you are allowed to have a couple of drinks at a party. Once the woman becomes pregnant, she should totally abstain from any alcohol intake.