If you’re trying to conceive, abstaining from alcohol is always the safest choice. But I also recognize that completely avoiding alcohol doesn’t always fit with real life. If you choose to drink, I recommend limiting it to 1–2 drinks per month, if possible, and having them during the first half of your cycle, before ovulation. Once you’ve ovulated, I recommend avoiding alcohol.
Did you know your wine may contain glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup weedkiller?
A 2019 analysis by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund detected glyphosate in 19 of 20 beers and wines tested. One of the wines tested, Sutter Home Merlot, contained 51.4 ppb.
Glyphosate has been studied for potential effects on hormonal and reproductive health, which is one reason I prefer to minimize unnecessary exposure when trying to conceive.
One of the simplest ways to reduce your exposure to pesticides is to choose organic wine.
Organic wines can still contain trace pesticide residues from environmental contamination or drift, but conventional wines have generally been found to contain higher levels of glyphosate. One analysis found conventional wines had up to 28 times more glyphosate than organic wines.
When choosing wine, look for:
And remember: organic doesn’t mean alcohol-free. If you’re trying to conceive, avoiding alcohol is still the safest approach.
You don’t have to be perfect when you’re trying to conceive. If you choose to enjoy a glass of wine, make it a good one.
References:
PMID: 23756170, 20695457, 29519238, 31295307
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please work with your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your healthcare plan, particularly if you are pregnant, undergoing fertility treatment, taking medication, or managing a medical condition. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.
