Many people ask, is it safe to drink non-alcoholic wine during pregnancy? The short answer is yes. Health practitioners all agree that even when trying to conceive, couples should give up alcohol, so non-alcoholic alternatives are much better for you.
Pregnancy is a time for celebration for most expectant parents, so alongside pregnancy comes the opportunity to share that joy with others and get together to celebrate. This used to mean endless alcohol for everyone else but the pregnant person who was left sipping on juices, water or lemon, lime & bitters. Those days are over.
Whether you’re trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you’ll be pleased to know that there are now hundreds of non-alcoholic wines, beers and spirits for you to enjoy so you dont miss out on great tasting drinks at any occasion.
During pregnancy you may have many questions about what is safe to drink, we have compiled a list of six questions/benefits that may help guide you. This isn’t to be taken as health advice and you should always check with your health practitioner with any pregnancy related questions.
Can drinking alcohol be harmful when you’re trying to conceive?
Studies have shown that alcohol can affect your mood and libido, and if you’re trying to conceive, the consumption of alcohol by women or men can increase the time it takes to get pregnant.
Men can also find that alcohol can effect their ability to perform, so for the best chances to conceive, both parties should kick the booze for a while.
There are also increased risks associated with the consumption of alcohol prior to conception. This doesn’t mean you have to forgo having a drink on your romantic evenings - au contraire! Simply pop the cork on the non-alcoholic champagne alternatives instead, you can view a wide range of non-alcoholic sparkling wine here.
Is non-alcoholic wine ok to drink during pregnancy?
Alcohol free wine is made the same way as ‘normal’ wine, but has undergone a de-alcoholisation process. This means that the alcohol free wine still has all the health benefits of traditional wine, like antioxidants, but without the alcohol. Just be mindful that some alcohol free wine has added sugars. Always look at the label, and check with your doctor if sugar is a concern for you during your pregnancy.
It is worth noting that some alc-free wines do contain up to 0.5% abv, which is like a fruit juice, kombucha or overripe banana. If you’d prefer completely alcohol free then there are plenty of non-alcoholic wine alternatives that aren’t made like wine but still taste great out of a wine glass.
Is it healthy to drink non-alcoholic wine during pregnancy?
Drinking non-alcoholic wine during pregnancy is certainly healthier than other drinks. For example a 100ml of a soft drink, like Coca-Cola, has 10.6g sugar per 100ml, whereas a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling wine, like Vinada, is around 4g per 100ml. plus it tastes so much better. Most of the calories in wine come from the alcohol. By opting for alcohol free wine, you are choosing a beverage with much fewer empty calories. You can then focus on all the delicious and beneficial calories that will actually benefit you and your developing bub.
Can I still go to parties when I’m pregnant?
Of course. Often when we’re not drinking we feel like we can’t socialize in the same way. This can be lonely and alienating. But with so many non-alcoholic options available there is no reason why you can’t join in the fun. So open a bottle of alcohol free wine and raise a glass with your friends. You’ll maintain your glow and remember the whole night. And when you’re ready to go home and get some rest you can drive and not worry about a thing. Win!
Will non-alcoholic wine affect me like alcoholic wine?
Not at all, all the negative effects of wine come from the alcohol. As well as avoiding a hangover while pregnant, you’ll’ also avoid the skin drying effects of alcohol, and much more. Alcohol is known to disrupt sleep patterns too, so by choosing alcohol free wine you’ll get a good night’s sleep and make the most of your restorative hours, allowing your body to focus on growing a baby and not dealing with a hangover.
Non-alcoholic wine does still contain sulphites, so if you are sensitive to those with alcoholic wine, you may find they still affect you the same when you drink non-alcoholic versions.
Can I drink non-alcoholic wine while breastfeeding?
Absolutely! Once your baby is born, you may not want to reintroduce alcohol to your diet because you are going to breastfeed? You no longer have to be a whiz at maths, doing quick calculations for when you can and can’t have a drink so it doesn’t affect your milk at feeding time. Simply choose a delicious alcohol free wine and you can breastfeed stress free, while still enjoying a glass of pinot noir.
Non-alcoholic wine and wine alternatives are a great way to have an adult tasting drink without the risks of alcohol involved. Not a wine drinker? We also have an extensive range of alcohol free beer, spirits and wine alternatives so there’s something for everyone!