Drinking and pregnancy

I am a 32 yr old female, I recently got married but since my clock is ticking my husband and I decided to plan our family.

Both my husband and I drink lightly (mostly wines) on the weekends, neither of us is a heavy drinker or anywhere near alcoholic. I wanted to know if we can keep up with our light occasional drinking when we are trying to conceive. If I get pregnant in the meantime, which I would not find out till my next periods, in that case does our occasional light drinking affect the growth of our baby (if i conceive and dont know). Please advise. Thanks.

[aeslehc15]

Yes it does. Drinking is linked with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) and they have yet to prove how much alcohol causes it. In the first few weeks is most important because all the organs and facial features are being determined. I WOULD NOT DRINK! It's not worth the risk.

[JoyRenee]

She is right, and science does not know the complete affects alcohol has on fetuses in the womb. Some docs say one little glass of red wine is okay, but there is NO evidence to support that it could cause problems. I wouldn't take the risk. It would be against human morale for them to any studies like this on pregnant women, which is probably why we haven't seen any complete reports on it.

The most critical time for growth and development is 2-8 weeks pregnant (most women find out they are pregnant between 4-8 weeks). This is when organogenesis takes place (the formation and development of all major organs: brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, etc.).

Just try having some sparkling cider/juice! That's what my husband and I drink on special occasions because we don't drink and it is very refreshing. Not as classy, I'm sure, but good nonetheless! Congrats on TTC!!!

[kirby26]

I didnt find out i was pregnant until the first coupld of weeks.. once I saw a positive sign.. is when i stopped drinking.

[HallieRose]

Personally if it was me, I would not drink..that being said, I did have a few rough weekends before I knew I was pregnant, although I was also not trying to get pregnant..I have a close friend in France, she is pregnant with her 3rd and drinks wine 1-2 times per week, she also eats soft cheese..who knows, for the 1st 4 weeks the baby is not attaced by the cord, so I think the liquor would not even reach the baby just yet??

[JoyRenee]

The placenta forms at conception. It does not take over the production of HCG immediately, though. According to Physiology of Pregnancy, the placenta forms in the first 14 days.

Conception is actually at 2 weeks pregnant (doctors date a pregnancy back to your LMP, so those first two weeks you're actually not pregnant as you haven't even ovulated yet). So between 2-4 weeks is when the placenta is forming and things CAN pass between mother and baby.

[chantal21]

Personally, I don't see a problem with an occasional glass of wine. Wine is actually good for you. I am not recommending at all that you drink during pregnancy, but it never affected me or my baby while I was TTC. I am italian and it's very common to have wine. In Italy we had a glass a wine everyday. Everyone is different, but I believe everything in moderation. But it's your decision and you have to do what's best for you and eventually for your baby. Good luck!!

[cindy82]

Science has proven that drinking on a regular basis can harm your unborn baby.  Anything you eat or drink directly affects the fetus, and alcohol is no exception.  Because no amount of alcohol use during pregnancy has been proven safe, it is best to avoid all types and amounts of alcohol while you are pregnant.  The March of Dimes, whose mission is “To improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.” recommends that pregnant woman, nursing woman and woman who may become pregnant or are attempting to become pregnant should avoid all alcohol, including beer, wine, wine coolers and hard liquor.



The fact is, while we do know what can happen to babies who were exposed to regular alcohol consumption, we do not know what can happen to children whose Mothers drank in moderation.  Some of the common life long problems that children who were exposed to alcohol during their mothers pregnancy include:



Low birth weight

Problems with eating, sleeping, colic

Vision and hearing problems

Problems with following directions and learning to do simple things

ADHD and other problems paying attention and learning in school

Mood disorders, controlling their behavior and getting along with others



These children need medical care all of their lives and do not get better.  They may need special teachers and schools and will be considered high needs or special needs.  Children who are born with these symptoms have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

i dont think i would want to take the chance, but your babys health is all on you

[rachie204]

I understand your situation..my hubby and I also like to drink lightly and I really enjoy wine..(white)  ...anyways what I have done so far is since I am tracking my temps and keeping a close watch on my cycle I will have a drink if I want one as long as I have not yet ovulated..if I know I have ovulated I will hold off until I have a normal period...I just make sure I don't have anything if there is a possibility I am pregnant.

[DollChina]

Well I had wine both times before I knew I was pregger.  My doc said it'd be alright once I found out I stopped completely.  The placenta is not developed until later on, I think maybe towards the end of 1st trimester so you should be ok.  I am not encouraging you but things happen.  It's your personal choice.