Alcohol whilst trying for a baby????

[scoobysoo]

Hello. I'm having a bit of an argument with a friend at the moment. She is trying for her first child, and according to her calculations, she has a 25% chance of having conceived last week. She is of the belief that even if she has conceived, she is not officially pregnant yet, and is still drinking alcohol. I was under the impression that you should stop drinking from the second you suspect you could be pregnant, or even whilst trying. I'm really worried for her now, as I've heard lots in the news about Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. Perhaps I'm over-dramatising this, as she is by no means a heavy drinker, and has probably had 5 or 6 drinks since her possible date of conception. Could she have done any damage if it turns out she is pregnant? Many thanks in advance

[4getmenot]

there is no proof that drinking whilst pregnant harms baby. My mate was 3 months gone and got wrecked at her engagement party, she didnt even know she was pregnant though.

[Cockney_si]

Surely once conception has taken place then you are technically pregnant, then its time to decide whats the best way to go.

[Psychick]

I really think you have nothing to worry about, I drank for the first 3 months with my first, but only because I didnt know I was pregnant, and I gave birth to a healthy 7lb 3oz baby.
I beleive I have read though that chances of concieving are greater when not consuming alcohol, something your friend may want to consider if shes trying.

[CheekyChops]

Plenty of people get pregnant without knowing and drink lots before they realise. Don't worry, I'm sure she will have done no harm to the baby.

[4getmenot]

and really you cant tell someone what to do. You sound really caring of your friend but she will do what she wants to do.

[amonty1144]

If you are planning a baby then surely you would want to give the baby the best chance you can, therefore, it would be better if she didn't drink. There is new research that shows even a small amount of alcohol in pregnancy can cause developmental delays in children.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6687761.stm

[scoobysoo]

Thanks for your advise. My friend has done a bit of research herself now, and has decided that it's worth the risk. I think the general opinion is that if she is pregnant, implantation would only just be taking place, and the risk is practically non existent...phew! Thanks again

[WaldoMcFroog]

It depends on the amount being drunk; one glass once a week probably wont do much harm, getting bladdered three times a week is clearly more risky but no one is sure if there is a safe limit and what it might be.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is absolute fact, established beyond any doubt.

It can result in low birth weights. Babies with FAS can have small heads, flat face with a snub nose and unusually smooth area between nose and mouth, thin upper lip and small, widely spaced eyes with prominent folds of skin on the nasal side of the eye. They may have general learning difficulties and hyperactivity and attention problems.

Anyone prepared to risk that for their child shouldn't be allowed to breed.

[missrandom]

personally i wouldnt, i feel its not worth the risk. why risk it just for a drink? but i doubt the odd one would hurt.

[scoobysoo]

Sorry, just re-read my last post and meant to put she has decided it's NOT worth the risk and wont be drinking at all!

[Ellegirly 74]

I drink about 2 small glasses of red wine a week with dinner and otherwise I eat a very healthy diet and try to do everything right for my unborn baby's healthy development. So far all is looking healthy, I do hope that my little weekly tipple doesn't qualify me to be unfit to 'breed'!

[Goodsoulette]

there is lots of proof that alcohol damages a developing baby. The first 12 weeks are very important to reduce the risks of getting FASD

[joko]

many people seem to think that just because the baby comes out alive, with all its fingers and toes and no obvious deformities that the alcohol has done no harm...

there are many things that only become evident later on that could be caused by alcohol - there are theories that things like bad eyesight, allergies, autism, dyslexia etc etc etc etc can be caused by failure to thrive in the womb due to the mothers lifestyle - not just alcohol... smoking, medication, diet, pollutants etc