Anonymous -- Drinking While Pregnant --

Michelle - posted on 02/11/2011

I do not agree with any drinking while pregnant at all. Not even one. I feel if one drink can be damaging to me, what might it do to the baby.

User - posted on 02/09/2011

In my own personal opinion,it's very irresposible and selfish.

Amanda - posted on 11/14/2010

I wouldn't drink while pregnant, but I know a lot of people who did or do. A glass of wine now and than I don't think would harm anyone. But what about the people who smoke cigarettes? I don't know, personally I wouldn't but it's the mothers choice, and I don't think small amounts would do much harm. :)

Stifler's - posted on 11/14/2010

I don't drink when I'm pregnant. The safe amount is none.

Lyndsay - posted on 11/13/2010

They don't know what amount of alcohol is safe for a developing fetus. They think that very small amounts are okay, but there is no certain cut-off. In my opinion, it's better not to drink at all. I personally don't think having a relaxing drink of alcohol at any point during pregnancy is worth the risk of having a child with FASD.

Kristy - posted on 11/13/2010

I think it is funny that people are commenting on here that "less than this much is okay". If you research FAS as I did for a pysc class you will find that researchers (scientists) have not proven HOW MUCH alcohol it actually takes to affect your baby's development. One drink during pregnancy COULD affect your baby. Nor are they sure of when it is "best to drink" during your pregnancy. The fact that you have to get online to ask if you should or shouldn't should be your first clue to NOT do it. Don't be selfish.

Brittney - posted on 07/17/2010

When it comes down to it, I always wonder what we did before all of these scientific studies! I mean some how our parents managed to have us.
Yes some doctors have said a glass of wine is good for you just the same as some beers while pregnant are good for you becuase of the yeast levels. Yes excesive amounts are bad, but thats also the same when your not pregnant!

Amber - posted on 07/17/2010

If your pregnant you shouldn't be PERIOD! Its dangerous and it doesn't matter how much or how little you drink. Remember while your pregnant everything you put into your body also goes into your babies body.

Amanda - posted on 07/17/2010

OK, so on the alcohol topic, I haven't had wine...I don't like the taste of alcohol. However, I have MAYBE one drink a month, made at home so I can control the amount of alcohol going into it, with my father-in-law. It is just a nice bonding time when mommy doesn't have to deal with the duties of life. I am not saying going out binge drinking is fine, I am just saying after talking to my physician and weighing the risks, I decided to have a drink here and there with little to no alcohol in it. Also, on the the food topic, I asked my doctor specifically about the items such as lunch meats, unpasteurized cheeses and milks, etc. He told me if you have been eating those things quite often before you were pregnant 9 times out of 10, nothing will happen to harm you or the child you are carrying. If you have never been to a restaurant which serves the cheese dip Mexican places are famous for, Don't Try It! Your body is not use to it (same with the other items listed above) and you don't have the same ability to fight off whatever may be in it and prevent your child from having adverse reactions to it. That is the significance of the warning.

Joanna - posted on 07/17/2010

Yeah, I can't give up my lunchmeat. I always crave sandwiches while pregnant. My first pregnancy it was Summer sausage with mayo and Doritos (yes, the chips). My second pregnancy it was Subway's cold cut trio with bacon. And this pregnancy it's grilled ham and swiss. I can't not eat sandwiches.

Rosie - posted on 07/17/2010

yeah, with my first pregnancy i wanted quiznos and blimpies ALL THE TIME!! i must of had over a hundred lunchmeat sandwiches. second pregnancy was not as bad but i still had them quite often. third pregnancy was when i heard about not having lunchmeat, and i tried to stay away. failed miserably, lol! i figured the hundreds of sandwiches i had before would've done something, and it didn't so i had at it. ;0

LaCi - posted on 07/16/2010

Nobody takes away my cookie dough. ;)

...Or brownie batter, cake batter, and mexican cheeses. My sushi is veggies, so It's not really an issue. Or my apple cider. Yeah. That's all.

Sherri - posted on 07/16/2010

Foods to steer clear of altogether during pregnancy include:

* soft, unpasteurized cheeses (often advertised as "fresh") such as feta, goat, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, and Mexican queso fresco The reason being certain foods can become contaminated with bacteria called Listeria. . If you become sick from Listeria, the baby you're carrying could get sick or worse case scenario �it could be fatal.
* unpasteurized milk, juices, and apple cider
* raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs, including mousse, tiramisu, raw cookie dough, eggnog, homemade ice cream, and Caesar dressing
* raw or undercooked fish (sushi), shellfish, or meats
* pâté and meat spreads
* processed meats such as hot dogs and deli meats (these should be very well cooked before eating)
* fish that may contain high levels of mercury (shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and tuna steak). Limited amounts of canned, preferably light, tuna are OK.

This is from the kids health org.

Maureen - posted on 07/16/2010

Absolutely no alcohol when pregnant.Why even bothering to take the chance ? The weird thing I'm hearing now is preggers will not even eat soft cheese. Now, come on

Brandie - posted on 07/16/2010

I didn't know I was pregnant until I was 7 weeks along. During that time not only did I drink alcohol, but I smoked cigarettes. As soon as I found out I was pregnant I immediately quit both. I did have one glass of wine on New Years Eve though. I think it's hard to say for sure exactly what can happen. I have known mothers who have drank or smoked all through their pregnancy and their babies were fine. But there are cases where the babies are not fine. My son is perfectly healthy but I don't think I would have risked his health by continuing to drink and smoke. It's not worth it. If you can't control yourself for 8 months for the sake of your child then you probably shouldn't be a parent.

Toni - posted on 07/16/2010

Sherri is right many prescribed meds are restricted unless absolutely neccessary when pregnant. I wasplaced on blood pressure meds due to my Pre-E and also prescibed anti heartburn meds because I was really suffering and couldn't eat because of it. However at the same time I was not allowed to use my hayfever meds and struggled through the summer with REALLY bad hayfever but I think that may have been a blessing in disguise because this year my hayfever has been nowhere near as bad as in previous years (maybe I've built up an immunity from last year) and so this year apart from the odd eyedrops I have not had to take any meds for it. So if you NEED the meds they will find a pregnancy friendly one but if not they suggest you don't use them!

Erin - posted on 07/16/2010

I agree w/the why risk it thought! I also wonder how many glasses one might want AFTER the child to relax...children can be pretty stressful! I think 9 mos...or 7 if you take into account not knowing/letting it sink in...is a great opportunity for you to find other ways at releiving stress! Forces you to do things different.

My doctor didn't limit the things I could take while pregnant. I took cold medicines, etc... I did quit taking my nasal spray when pregnant w/#2 but that wasn't because my Dr. it was because I wanted my 2nd preg. to be like my 1st and I wasn't on that medicine so I wasn't going to risk it on a personal level. I was also told no ibuprofen? That kinda sucked! Tylenol worked well enough though *shrug*

Michelle - posted on 07/15/2010

I don't think there is a problem with an occasional drink during the course of your pregnancy. There are studies for and against drinking. Now if you are out every night or 3 times a week getting smashed, yeah that could be a problem, but once a week a glass of wine, I don't see the issue.

Sherri, I was given a prescription of loratabs when I was less than 6 weeks pregnant, the doctors knew I was pregnant and so did I. I was also given xanax and lexapro with my previous pregnancy, so I am not sure where you get your information, but doctors do prescribe narcotics to pregnant women.

Chatty - posted on 07/15/2010

mmmm....sushi

Shannon - posted on 07/15/2010

I've had friends that have had a glass of wine here & there. Their babies are always ok, I'm sure it's safe enough, but I don't drink at all while pregnant.. Now eating sushi is another story!! LOL I can't help myself.

Sherri - posted on 07/15/2010

No I don't have a problem with alcohol outside of pregnancy but even then I personally only have maybe if lucky 1 drink a month. However, I do think if you know you are pregnant it is irresponsible and wrong. You can't take most prescribed medicine when you are pregnant but you are going to chance drinking.

Gena - posted on 07/15/2010

Since no one knows for sure why would you even want to risk it? If by some chance (and I pray not) something was wrong with your baby will you not scrutinize every move you made while you were pregnant and wonder if maybe the wine was the cause? I only know this because my son was born with a whole in his lungs and even though the doctors told me it wasn't anything I did I felt so guilty and blamed myself.

Jane - posted on 07/15/2010

I would agree with LaCi....I don't believe there are enough studies to really show how much is really too much. I did not drink at all through my first pregnancy but in my second about 2 weeks before I was due, I had a small glass of red wine each night. I really think, if you are having only 1 glass of wine per week, you're probably just fine....I wonder though what trimester you are in. If you're in your first, I'd probably say don't do it but after that, again, I think you're fine!

Chatty - posted on 07/15/2010

"wrong and irresponsible ESPECIALLY while pregnant"....just wondering if you think drinking in general is wrong and irresponsible? The way you worded it makes it sound that way?!! Just curious?!

Sherri - posted on 07/15/2010

I think it is wrong and irresponsible especially while pregnant.

Olwen - posted on 07/15/2010

Like so many other women who didn't know they were pregnant until I was 15 weeks pregnant, i did drink. My daughter is completely healthy. I don't see the big deal in having the occasional glass of red wine. But you can't justify having a glass a wine every night. It's only booze after all.

Chatty - posted on 07/15/2010

Joanna-

I don't drink. Not very often anyhow....it's been years since I've had a drink. Anyhow, I'm much like you....I CRAVED beer while I was pregnant and I would normally never drink a beer. STRANGE!

Amy - posted on 07/15/2010

I think that in MOST cases a little bit is ok. a glass a week shouldn't be an issue, although during the first trimester I think it should be avoided completely. In the second and third trimester I don't think it's as big of a deal in most cases.

I have read a study about how some dr think's theres a link to genetics and those mom's who give birth to babies with Fetal Alcohol syndrome. The study the dr did found that some women who had a few beverages had healthy babies, while others who drank the same amount didn't. The study did not take into account the type of beverage. More recently I'm hearing Red Wine is just fine (a glass, not more).

I've got/had an Alcoholic grandfather, because of that I really don't want to take any risks, with all my pregnancies I didn't have anything to drink. But those who have a little bit I do not look down on them or think there wrong. It's a personal choice, and many cultures find it's normal.

Rosie - posted on 07/15/2010

i've heard so many conflicting things on this. one study i saw (can't find it now though of course) said it was actually beneficial for a woman to have a glass of wine every day while pregnant.
the general advice is to not have any, cause you really can't take a bunch of pregnant women give them all alcohol and see which ones have fucked up kids.
myself i would never do it. i found out i was pregnant the day after i turned 21. yeah, all in my hangover glory i found out i was pregnant. i was freaked for weeks that i had fucked him up somehow. i simply can't take the risk that i would knowingly do damage to my child like that.
save the wine for after you have the baby, you're gonna need it, lol!!

Jessie - posted on 07/15/2010

I don't think it's worth the risk. The researchers really aren't sure of the amount of alcohol that is safe to drink during pregnancy becuase every child reacts differently. The first trimester is the worst time to drink, but if you have one maybe in your 3rd or just a little in your 3rd I don't think it would be harmful but I wouldn't do it. That is just me though.

Jessica - posted on 07/15/2010

I just figured better to be safe than sorry. The benefit of drinking wasn't worth the risk to me.

Shannen - posted on 07/15/2010

I personally think that if you can't give up drinking for 9ish months then what else are you going to keep doing when the baby arrives?
No this doesn't mean every mother who has 1 glass or a sip will be like that i'm more talking about drinking fairly reguarly during pregnancy.
I must admit my baby is 6 days old and it was my b'day yesterday and i had 1 drink. so i'm no saint myself, but during pregnancy i just can't fathom it.

Toni - posted on 07/15/2010

I would never knowingly drink alcohol when pregnant (I had a few rather large drinks at my nan's funeral before I found out I was pg). You are only pg for 9 months and then if you choose you can have a drink - I would not want to risk my baby's health for the sake of a drink during this time. I think it is horrible seeing women with pregnant bellies drinking alcohol (even if it has only been one) but then I feel the same about seeing pg women with a ciggie (thats a whole new debate though :-).

I don't think that pg women who have the odd drink are bad mothers though - just I would never do it.

Olivia - posted on 07/14/2010

Drinking RED WINE is actually recommended while pregnant. My midwife suggested it. just like when you are not pregnant it is healthy and good for you to drink a glass of wine a day. Same while pregnant but I wouldn't suggest one glass a day just to be safe. I drank red wine while I was pregnant and my now 6 month old came out healthy and happy at 8lb 5 oz 21 inches long. and so beautiful.

Christina - posted on 07/14/2010

Apart from the alcohol content, grape juice has been proven to have a similar affect to wine. You could try drinking a glass of grape juice instead of wine and see if it relaxes you. That way you won't have to worry about any possible affect the alcohol in wine will have on your child.
It doesn't sound like you have a problem, so I wouldn't worry about it on a regular basis. But if anything happens to your child, you might have to answer questions about drinking while pregnant. Personally, I'd give it up, then again I have maybe two drinks per year. If you're worried about any effects it may have on your baby, talk with your doctor.
Best of luck! and I think it'd be nice if life were less stressful. :)

Joanna - posted on 07/14/2010

What the other ladies are saying... it's probably not a huge risk to have the occasional drink, but why risk it?

Since I've been pregnant, I've had a total of maybe a glass of wine (I'm 25 weeks). That was half a glass I had for my birthday, and the couple of sips I've had here and there (a couple of those sips being champagne at a brunch - it's my kryptonite). Do I think my baby is going to have fetal alcohol syndrome, or some other side effects from it? No. But am I naive enough to think it couldn't happen? No. I know the risks, and I think everyone else does (otherwise people wouldn't be asking the question, right?).

Oh, and I find O'Douls to be a great substitute if you're needing the "relaxation." I crave beer when I'm pregnant, just the taste of it, so half an O'Douls makes me very happy, especially in this heat.

Krista - posted on 07/14/2010

I don't think it's ideal -- obviously it's best to abstain from booze altogether while pregnant. But I don't anticipate one glass per week doing any damage. Still, if you're nervous about it, why not explore some of the really great non-alcoholic wines out there? It could be that it's the ritual/act of having a glass of wine that you find relaxing, and not the alcohol itself.

Teresa - posted on 07/14/2010

I think it is a really bad idea to drink any amount of alcohol while pregnant. Maybe your baby will be totally fine, but why risk it. Alcohol isn't neccessary for survival. There are many other ways to relax that don't have the potential to harm your unborn child.

I may be a little 'prejudice' on this topic though as the amount of alcohol that I've consumed in the past 12 years wouldn't even equal one alcoholic drink.....

Jennifer - posted on 07/14/2010

I think drinking whilst pregnant isn't something you should make a habit of. Over here in the UK it is recommended that a pregnant woman should rink no more than 2 units per week and obviously none is best especially in the first trimester. When I was pregnant I drank one alcholic drink which was very difficult as when I was 28-30 weeks pregnant we went on holiday to Crete and the people we were with were all drinking including my husband but I'd rather sacrifice drinking to ensure that my baby is the healthiest he could possibly be. One glass a week should be fine but why risk seriously damaging your developing baby. If you need a glass of wine each week now to relax you how many will you need when the baby is born?...just a thought.

LaCi - posted on 07/14/2010

Well, obviously it isn't advisable. HOWEVER. Small amounts of alcohol haven't shown adverse health effects. Some studies show a glass of wine per day is harmless. I don't think there are enough studies to completely confirm anything. The current studies are for moderate to heavy drinking during pregnancy leading to health problems. If you are only having a glass of wine a week or so then I really don't see a problem with it. The only problem would be in situations in which women don't have the self control to stop at that one glass.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_an...