Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

help

I am 16 weeks pregnat and a alchohlic, I have been trying real hard to stay sober but relapsed and got drunk on wine, I do not know much about fetal alcohol sydrome , how much do you have to drink to affect the baby, I am very ashamed and looking for advice not a bashing session
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1026926 tn?1292113815
They do not really know exactly how much alcohol causes FAS that is why most doctors will tell you none but there are also many that will tell you moderate alcohol consumption is safe. They will never tell you to drink liquor but many will actually recommend beer or wine. In fact I was required to drink one glass wine or to drink one beer a day during my pregnancies due to a closely monitored heart condition.

Babies born with FAS are born to mothers who drank heavily during pregnancy. The reason the "safe" amount is unknown is because mothers are not usually honest about how much they drank during pregnancy. A mother with a baby born with FAS will typically claim she drank very little and that is not the case.

I had to talk to several doctors and specialists about this during my pregnancy and was told that most doctors will tell you no alcohol is safe because it is a liability issue.

I am not telling you that you should continue drinking heavily but I am telling you that if you continue to seek help and drink as little as possible....then I think your baby will be fine. And I commend you for posting this. It is very controversial because people tend to believe that no alcohol is safe and that is not true. I have extebsively researched this since I was told to consume alcohol daily and I too was convinced no alcohol was safe during pregnancy and I was worried about my baby. Being a nurse I have access to some many medical studies that are harder for the public to get their hands on. It is definately not true that every drink harms your baby. Infatct there is alot of research done on the benefits of consuming certain wines and beers during pregnancy.

None of my children were born with any problems and are all very healthy today. And due to my heart condition I will still have my one drink a day when I conceive again as it is in the best interest of min and my unborn babies health. Good luck and god bless.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Alcohol can cause serious birth defects.
You should seek therapy or go to AA meetings to help get you off the alcohol.
Just remember every drink of wine you have is harming your baby - keep that in mind when you want your next drink.
I was a smoker when i fell pregnant, took me 8 weeks to kick the habit, but i did, so you can too if you put your babies interests first.
Look at this as your path to starting a new life, free of drink, but filled with happyness and joy with your baby.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
There is no proven evidence that would suggest how much, if any, alcohol is safe during pregnancy. You have a few stressors that you are conflicted with. 1) The possibility of your baby acquiring FAS as a result of your drinking while pregnant, 2) If you quit drinking with out being monitored by a professional, the stress you put your body in from detoxing is just as serious as drinking the alcohol and could result in mc. 3) The ability to care for your newborn baby.  If you are still abusing alcohol it is inconceivable that you can adequately care for yourself let along your new baby.  You need professional help. You can seek care at your local hospital emergency room.  Detox should be monitored in a hospital setting or a reputable chemical dependency facility. These professionals can give you pregnancy safe medication to reduce the withdrawal symptoms. The DT period could last for up to seven days. Also, abusing alcohol can cause nutrient deficiency in both mom and baby. So you may need additional supplements from your OB.  

You are brave for asking, and you will be even braver for taking the next step.
Helpful - 0
756023 tn?1338520435
As the other ladies have mentioned, no amount of alcohol is safe at any time during pregnancy.  In drinking, you risk your child being born with physical, developmental and functional problems.

Here is a list that I found in a book that I have which gives you an idea of what can happen if a child is born with FAS.

low birth weight
small head circumference
failure to thrive
developmental delay
organ dysfunction
facial abnormalities, including smaller eye openings, flattened cheekbones, and indistinct philtrum (an underdeveloped groove between the nose and the upper lip)
epilepsy
poor coordination/fine motor skills
poor socialization skills, such as difficulty building and maintaining friendships and relating to groups
lack of imagination or curiosity
learning difficulties, including poor memory, inability to understand concepts such as time and money, poor language comprehension, poor problem-solving skills
behavioral problems, including hyperactivity, inability to concentrate, social withdrawal, stubbornness, impulsiveness, and anxiety

If you are having problems getting sober on your own, you doctor can definitely aide in your recovery.  Call your doc today or go to the hosp and request help.  Wishing you all the best!
Helpful - 0
1035252 tn?1427227833
I agree you need to get help as soon as possible...there's no 'safe" amount during pregnancy, because there's no way to know how much your baby will be affected...some babies are affected by one drink, some babies aren't affected at all even though the mother drinks heavily....but there's no sense in gambling, as you know.

please talk to your doctor, they can help you find support programs and counselors who can help you through this. and you need to do it today. the less exposure, the less chance of FAS which can be devastating. please don't wait any longer. they can give you medicine to help cope with DTs if that's a problem, so don't be afraid of the quitting part...just go in and get the help you need, and that you and your baby deserve.

good luck, and go today. check yourself in to the hospital if you have to....but don't wait anymore. the sooner you get help the less chance your baby will be affected.
Helpful - 0
126454 tn?1328019022
There might be programs in your area, through your doctor or hospital that can help you with your addiction.  It is very important that you take action as soon as possible.  I don't know much about fetal alcohol syndrome either, but I kinow it doesn't take much to affect a baby.  The outcome could go either way, you might get lucky and have no problems or you might be unlucky.  I do know that alcohol will affect a developing baby's brain and nervous system so drinking will increase the chances that your child could be born with a mental and/or physical handicap.  A baby with FAS is not a good situation.  Try to seek help as soon as possible and good luck.  Taking the first step toward recovery is step in the right direction.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i am proud of you for looking for advice and i think maybe since you asked for help here you should go to an aa meeting my hubby is an aa and he got really mean and everything and he started going to get help now he is sober for over 8 mons you really dont want a fetal alcohol baby there is along lasting affecteds i wish you the best of luck and get all the you can get
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Pregnancy Community

Top Pregnancy Answerers
13167 tn?1327194124
Austin, TX
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Get information and tips on how to help you choose the right place to deliver your baby.
Get the facts on how twins and multiples are formed and your chance of carrying more than one baby at a time.
Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcision.
What to expect during the first hours after delivery.
Learn about early screening and test options for your pregnancy.
Learn about testing and treatment for GBS bacterium.