I have several questions . . .. . I hope someone can answer them....

Hi everyone.  It's been a while since I've been here.  To give a history, I have a very healthy 7 year old daughter, had a miscarriage at 10 weeks in August 2003, and a very very early miscarriage in October 2004.  I just found out this week that I am pregnant.  Because of the past miscarriages, I requested blood work to check the hCG levels.  (In October they were only 14).  I did the 1st blood test yesterday and was told today that the count is 210.  I go back Monday for another one.

My questions are:

1.)  Is it okay to drink Diet Coke?  (I didn't like diet drinks when I had my first so it wasn't an issue)

2.)  I wasn't taking folic acid supplements before I got pregnant this time.  Is that bad?  (we were not planning this pregnancy)

3.)  I drank very moderate amounts of wine maybe once or twice a week (a glass) before I found out I am pregnant.  Will that harm the baby?

Thank you,
sydsmommy

[Christie2004]

Most health care providers will tell you to limit your consumption of diet drinks and caffeinated drinks during pregnancy.  Of course check with your doctor as to specific advice for your situation.  

It is wise to be on a vitamin containing the proper amounts of folic acid, but as long as you start as soon as possible, you should be fine.  Again, check with your doctor.

That amount of wine is not much at all, but the only safe amount of alcohol to ingest during pregnancy is zero.  It shouldn't affect anything if you stop now.

[kck]

I read somewhere that the artificial sweetners in diet drinks are not good for pregnancy...of course if you are only drinking one diet coke every once in a while, it won't be an issue.  As far as the wine, in the first few weeks of pregnancy, the baby does not use the placenta.  It's not until the placenta is being used by the baby that drinking would make a difference.  Many women drink until they realize they are pregnant and it's not a big deal.  As long as you stop now, everything will be fine.  Folic acid is good to take for at least a month prior to pregnancy, but you can't do anything about that now.  Spinach is a good source of folic acid, and so are many cereals (check the box label), so try to consume as much as possible now.

[deadsexy]

I drank one cup of coffee every day when I was pregnant. I had an unplanned pregnancy, so when I found out I started on the vitamis and folic acid and my son is fine...6 months old now. I had been drinking while I was pregnant, because I didnt know I was until I was about 7 weeks, so the immediately I stopped. My son is fine. if youre planning a pregnancy, which I will be next year, I will be taking the vitamins and folic acid before hand and will not drink while Im trying either.

[Wisegirl]

I'm 27 weeks pregnant and like you I didn't take the folic acid prior to finding out, everything is fine.  Luckily theres so much folic acid in oranges and orange juice and I was craving oranges (I ate like 3 a day) I was getting a good amount in the first 4 months.  I also had a few alcoholic beverages prior to finding out and my dr said it was fine. I don't drink diet anything but what you have had so far is fine, just try not to drink it now. My dr says no to artificial sweetners during pregnancy, but each dr is different. I really try and listen to my dr since I had a m/c in May 04. I don't even eat sushi !!  And thats my favorite !  But DH has promised to bring me some after delivery :)

[cinnamonheart]

Hi there Just answering your questions

1.  Diet Coke  has caffiene in it  also I think from what I read it is actually the aspartame  that is of concern it has been linked to studies shown in mice (YUCK) of brain troubles  So when I was pregnant i watched out for some other products have it too like fat free yougurt, etc..

2. They reccomend taking folic acid before becoming pregnant but sometimes nature doesnt allow  you to know that you are pregnant before you actually are!! My husband had a vasectomy so we thought we were safe WRONG  We have  a 3 month old healthy boy But now you know taking a good maternity vitamin would be wise

3.  As for a occasional drink well Im sure your fine I did too at the start (since I didnt know I was pregnant) There are all sorts of women who do drugs and drink heavily and there babies survive (NOT that you would do that) So now that you know go on from here