Alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks are increasingly popular during pregnancy, but many women say they’re navigating the category without enough support, according to a new peer-reviewed study from the University of Plymouth published in the European Journal of Public Health.
Researchers surveyed more than 2,000 currently or recently pregnant women in the U.K. and found that 71% reported drinking alcohol-free or low-alcohol beverages while pregnant, often to feel safer at social events or to blend in without revealing a pregnancy early.
But despite their popularity, many women said they struggle to understand which drinks are appropriate and how alcohol content should be interpreted. More than half said there isn’t enough information available, and only 8% received guidance from a midwife.
The World Health Organization advises that no amount of alcohol is known to be safe during pregnancy. At the same time, the U.K. government is considering raising the threshold for what can be labeled “alcohol-free,” a change that researchers say makes clarity even more important.
It’s worth noting that alcohol labeling standards vary by country. In the U.K., “alcohol-free” currently means no more than 0.05% ABV, while the U.S. typically uses “NA” or “nonalcoholic” for products at or below 0.5% ABV. This difference may contribute to confusion for anyone trying to compare labels or understand what’s considered safe.
Women in the study said they were generally comfortable with beverages labeled 0% or alcohol-free, but reactions shifted when drinks fell in the 0.5% to 1.2% ABV range. Only 11% said those were “very acceptable” during pregnancy.
The motivations behind choosing these drinks varied, but safety ranked highest. Many women also said they relied on alcohol-free options to feel included at social gatherings, and those who drank more alcohol before pregnancy were the most likely to use these beverages while pregnant. Some also used them to help keep an early pregnancy discreet.
Dr. Kate Maslin, the study’s lead researcher, said the results point to a clear gap.
“Alcohol-free drinks have clearly found favor among pregnant and recently pregnant women as they look to make safer choices when socializing during pregnancy,” she said. But she added that support from health professionals hasn’t kept pace. “Alongside further research into the safety and suitability of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks during pregnancy, it’s important that those engaging with and supporting pregnant women are equipped to give clear, consistent advice.”
The authors recommend clearer labeling, more consistent professional guidance, better differentiation between “alcohol-free” and “low-alcohol,” and updated advice from pregnancy and breastfeeding organizations.
This research was funded by Alcohol Change UK through a competitive tender award.