Stop Drinking Alcohol Before IVF To Boost Success

Planning to have a baby doesn’t begin only after discovering you’re pregnant. It starts well before conception, especially with lifestyle habits that need to be avoided. One of the most important things is choosing to stop drinking alcohol, since alcohol has a direct impact on embryo quality and the success of future pregnancy.

Although drinking alcohol may be common in daily life, for women preparing to become mothers, abstaining can be the first step toward better health—for both mother and baby.

Why Stop Drinking Alcohol Before Pregnancy?

When alcohol enters the body, it passes through the placenta and reaches the baby directly. Because a fetus does not yet have a fully developed detoxification system like adults, alcohol remains in the system and can negatively affect growth and development.

• Increases the risk of miscarriage and complications such as preterm birth or low birth weight
• Harms fetal growth and brain development, leading to potential long-term cognitive impairment or intellectual disability
• No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy—even small amounts can raise risks for the baby

For women undergoing IVF, drinking as little as one glass per day in the month before treatment can triple the risk of failure. Drinking close to egg retrieval can further raise the risk. Conversely, choosing to stop drinking alcohol helps improve embryo quality and lowers the likelihood of long-term complications.

How to Prepare for Pregnancy Effectively?

Proper pregnancy preparation begins with lifestyle adjustments. Alongside quitting alcohol, other healthy habits can strengthen fertility and support healthier embryos.

Effective Ways to Stop Drinking Alcohol

• Gradually cut back if you drink regularly, reducing frequency step by step
• Replace alcohol with non-alcoholic alternatives like fresh juices, lemon soda, or caffeine-free herbal teas
• Avoid situations that encourage drinking, such as social gatherings centered around alcohol

Other Healthy Habits Before Pregnancy

• Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night to balance hormones
• Exercise regularly—walking, yoga, or swimming to improve blood circulation to the uterus
• Quit smoking and limit caffeine intake as both harm reproductive health

Nutrition That Improves Embryo Quality

• Folic acid: Prevents neural tube defects; recommended at least 1 month before pregnancy
• Omega-3: Supports brain and vision development; found in salmon, mackerel, and sardines
• Iron and quality protein: Beans, liver, and egg yolks help strengthen the uterine lining
• Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily for optimal body function
• Avoid processed and sugary foods: These can disrupt hormones and negatively affect embryo quality

 

How Long Should You Stop Drinking Alcohol Before Pregnancy?

It is recommended to stop drinking alcohol at least one month before trying to conceive, giving the body enough time to detox and restore hormonal balance.

For IVF or Assisted Reproductive Treatments

For couples planning IVF, avoiding alcohol entirely throughout treatment is highly recommended to maximize success.

Should Men Stop Drinking Alcohol Too?

Yes. Alcohol also affects sperm quality and motility. Men are advised to stop at least 1 week to 1 month before IVF to improve fertilization chances and lower the risk of genetic abnormalities passed to the embryo.

Successful Pregnancy Preparation Requires Both Partners

Pregnancy preparation is not only the woman’s responsibility—men also play a vital role. Sperm quality directly influences fertilization success and healthy embryo development.

For men with issues such as low sperm count, poor motility, or azoospermia, surgical sperm retrieval can be a treatment option to help couples achieve pregnancy.

If you and your partner are planning seriously, take proactive steps for both sides. Along with the woman’s reproductive health, the man’s sperm quality must also be optimized for conception. At VFC Center (V Fertility Center), our specialists provide advanced services, including surgical sperm retrieval and embryo selection, to maximize the chance of a successful pregnancy. We also offer fertility test for couples to ensure both partners are fully prepared.

At every step—from diagnosis, treatment planning, to the moment of success—you’ll be supported by our expert physicians who guide you closely on your fertility journey.

 

Article by Dr. Worawat Siripoon

Contact or Book a Consultation:

VFC Center – V-Fertility Center

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