Alcohol

[Frozenpeas]

Up until about 15 weeks I didn't think I would be keeping my baby and during that time I had some alcohol. I never had more than 1 glass in a day and other than maybe once or twice they were quite spread out at maybe a week or two inbetween drinks. In total I think at the very most I've had 4 or 5 small glasses of wine, a large glass, 4 or 5 pints of beer and a few sips of someones G&T. Even though I would only have 1 glass in a day it's enough for me to feel it in my system as I'm quite a light weight.

I'm no longer drinking and I'm really worried about what I could have done to my baby.

[warpig3]

Morning Frozenpeas, given the amount you have stated I doubt there is anything for you to be worried about.

I assume you are thinking of FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome), I have had a look on the internet and to be honest from what I can gather it relates to women who drink excessively. What you have described is not excessive by any means, and given that it was taken in moderation over the 15 weeks I think it is unlikely that you have done any harm.
I cant remember who posted on here about themselves or a friend (cant recall) but they didnt know they were pregnant until they were about 4 months and in that time they were out at the weekends, living it up, partying, drinking loads and all was fine with their baby. Hopefully they will come on here themselves and reassure you.

Have a word with your midwife about your concerns and try not to worry.

take care
warpig

[spudqueen]

Don't worry love, some people don't find out they're expecting until later on in their pregnancy (my friend was 5 months before she found out!), and they must have had a drink or two. It doesn't sound as if you've had an awful lot to drink. Just take care of yourself from now on and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

[beck07]

It sounds like your saying, as you wernt gonna keep your baby you thought you might as well drink whatever you wanted, no matter what harm you was doing to the poor baby growing inside you!! Apparantly studies show that even binge drinking mothers dont harm their unborn baby but i dont believe that for a second! The way i see it is, anything that is able to intoxicate an adult is not safe and healthy or should NOT be taken when there is a baby growing in your body! Imagine what wine does to you- a full grown person, now imagine what it must do to something that is the size of your hand and has no immune system as of yet!!

[beck07]

So what your saying is, as your wasnt going to keep your baby you might as well drink what you want even tho it could be harming this poor little baby!!
People say that alcohol doesn't damage a baby, but i think thats crap! anything that can intoxicate an adult, is not healthy for a baby and should NOT be consummed while a baby is trying to grow inside you!!
Imagine what wine does to you- now imagine what it must be doing to a tiny little feotus thats got no immune system and trying to develop!!

[warpig3]

With respect beck given the scenario Frozenpeas has stated, its a little late and somewhat inappropriate for any sort of recriminations.

We have no idea of frozenpeas circumstances or what may have changed her mind and that is not our business. She has posed a valid question, is concerned and deserves a valid, balanced and reasoned answer based on the information she has provided.

[FunkyMouse]

I can understand why some people wish to avoid alcohol completely but personally I think thats extreem. The baby doesn't have the full effect of the alcohol for a start. Until recently, advice from the government was that a small amount was ok and in many countries they still believe that and these are countries with far less of a drinking problem than us. Also I understand that if you thought you weren't keeping it, why you'd think it ok to drink because whatever the effects of alcohol on the baby they're far less than the effects of abortion.

Anyway it doesn't sound like you've had much to drink at all, and I've found a post about a similar issue.

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Family/Pregnanc y/Question411535.html

[natalie_1982]

Hiya FrozenPeas, I'd agree with warpig, spudqueen and funkymouse re alcohol consumption - basically I wouldn't worry too much about it. You have been considered and careful in your actions and have obviously had a lot of thinking to do recently.

If it's any consolation, I am 26weeks pregnant and I have the occasional drink, I would say on average probably one small glass of wine per week, or two at tops. Also, I think it is quite common for women to have drunk more than is acceptable because they didn't know they were pregnant (I, for one, have considered "Tequila" as a middle name to my baby following a rather raucous night out several weeks before i found out I was pregnant). My aunty and my mum both did not find out they were pregnant until they were 6months gone, because, like me, they had no symptoms or weight gain til then end and so were not careful about their alcohol consumption, although neither were alcoholics they were women in their 20s who enjoyed a night out like the rest of us.

I personally think everything is fine in moderation and as long as are in good health yourself then you should be fine - ask me in 14 weeks though when babes is here! And remember that there are lots of people on here willing to help and give advice if you want to chat about anything xx

[beck07]

My point is- just because your going to 'get rid' of your baby doesnt mean you can intoxicate yourself!! then decide to keep it and worry about the damage!! its a bit 2 late to worry no1 knows what damage has ben done!! Anyone who has a baby growing inside them should NOT do anything like this AT ALL!!

[natalie_1982]

And giving advice after the event isn't exactly helpful, Beck. Frozenpeas has been sensible with her drinking despite being under the pression that she would not be keeping the baby. She has made it clear that she was drinking responsibly and not binge drinking or drinking copious amounts on a daily basis.

FP, just think how exciting next Christmas will be and enjoy your last one on your own! (even if it will be a bit qiueter than usual!). Don't spend this season worrying hun, you'll be fine X

[FunkyMouse]

Yep, so many people drink much more than you do. I don't think 1 glass of anything a day on the odd occasion is going to have hurt it. You weren't even doing it everyday and you weren't getting drunk. Some people just like to try to make you panic. It's an odd thing to think that you'd be expected to be planning an abortion but doing your best to look after the baby inside you before hand anyway.

I'm 20 weeks pregnant and had a little bit of wine on Christmas day and again on Boxing day. To be fair it was only about 1/4 of a glass.

My sister on the other hand who is pregnant and at the same stage as me was an irrisponsible drinker this Christmas and got through at least half a bottle of wine to herself on Christmas day after telling everyone what she could and couldn't do and what she could or couldn't eat.