Did heavy alcohol consumption affect my baby so much when I didn't know I was pregnant?

[FrancescaD]

I had my first ultrasound at 9weeks in the ER because of spotting and bad cramps. The tech that day didnt see a baby developing, but confirmed that my uterus was developing like a 9week uterus. My first dr visit, we couldnt hear a heartbeat. I was so worried until my appt this past November when we managed to finally hear a heartbeat at 15weeks. Later they moved my ultrasound up from December 5th to November 16th when id be 16wks. Those techs showed my baby.. but they said my baby is measuring at 12 weeks. I know its not possible for the baby to be that young, but Im wondering if the amount of alcohol I consumed before I knew I was pregnant..from August 13th to the end of September.. had an effect on my growing fetus.. I drank heavily during that time, like Rum and Tequila every night until I found out i was pregnant. I even drank the night before someone convinced me to take the test. ICould this be the reason my fetus is measuring 13wks now instead of 17?

[SaraElizabethRose]

The night before I found out I was pregnant, I was the drunkest I've ever been in my entire life. I'm 12 weeks and 2 days now and healthy, as well as my little baby :)

[alaysha]

I drank every single night before I found out I was pregnant at about 5-6 weeks. I hadent even realized I missed my period. My doctor told me its very, VERY common for people to drink before finding out and that it shouldn't have an effect. Later on in pregnancy if you continue to drink heavily it can cause issues. Also all babies develop at the same rate during the first trimester and only start developing at their own rate after week 13. Honestly I think you just aren't as far along as you thought.

[steph_ut]

I know it's embarrassing to talk about our "dirty habits" with our medical providers, but I would echo Ashelen's comments. I did drink until close to 5 weeks with my first pregnancy when I didn't realize I had ovulated (long story) and I was nervous to speak to my doctor, but she was very compassionate and assuring. In my case, it was early enough that there was no real need to worry but I don't know for how long that lasts. You could also ask him/her if the fetus measuring behind could be related to alcohol consumption  or if you might not be as far along as you thought.

[Ashelen]

What did the doctor say when you told him about the drinking?

If you haven't told him about the drinking, you need to. Yes heavy alcohol consumption in the womb can cause fetal growth delay, along with a host of other problems. If you have not spoken with your doctor about what to possibly expect, this would be a good time.

So you drank up until about week what? 5? was your period late before you found out you were pregnant? unfortunately there's no way to know just what effects your baby may or may not have from the heavy drinking, but I would definitely just talk to my doctor, be completely honest, and see what information he has for you. Baby may be fine, but it's impossible to say when it comes to alcohol...some women have binge drank in the first trimester, discovered they were pregnant, stopped, and delivered healthy babies. sometimes it doesn't turn out for the best....but either way your doctor will be able to give you the best information.