Alcohol While Pregnant?

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staciecoffey

If your doctor has suggested it than take his advice! My OB cleared me for it but you can't take someone else's OBs advice.

aliciac2008

My doctors told me no alcohol during my pregnancy. However, my husband and I did our own research and decided that we were comfortable with me having one beer every two weeks. To me it seems safe, but a lot of people abstain completely because they would rather err on the side of caution. Personally, I would suggest just do what you are comfortable with, within reason. 

thelittlestbee

I've had the occasional glass of wine while pregnant. But just ONE at a time and with food. You should do whatever you feel comfortable with.

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taboullio84

If your Dr said it was OK and you feel it safe for your little one go for it. Anxiety attacks are the worst.

lilitaliangirl

I don't drink pregnant, but I also don't drink much not pregnant either. I do, however, have several friends who drink wine with  dinner, so when they got pregnant, they still allowed themselves a glass here and there. If your doctor feels it's okay then I wouldn't stress too much. But follow your gut.

KaLikeAWind

When I have asked my OB about it, she said "I 'have' tell you no alcohol, but I will admit to having a glass of wine occasionally during my pregnancies". And gave me a knowing nod and look. I think since its a religious hospital she is required to say no alcohol but her opinion is not in agreement as long as the pregnancy is healthy.

But-
DH and I are huge craft beer snobs (s'cuse me, "aficionados") and me not drinking beer is a pretty big bummer. So many tasty stouts and India Pale Ales...yum. Anyways, we didn't decide on a set amount per time window or anything, but every now then at a restaurant I may order a taster of beer (pumpernickel rye one time, a cream stout another). A taster is maybe 4oz, so its not that much, and I just sip on it thru the entire meal. I've only done this twice but I'm not worried about doing it every now and then. Maybe every other week like PP said. I mean, the generation before us was sitting around drinking martinis and smoking for Pete's sake!

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sls2015

Consider yourself lucky that you kinda got a prescription for wine from a doctor, and run with it!

alcrimmins

My OB told me to drink if I want to. As of right I've only had a sip of wine. My DH and I are headed to Berlin for his work for a week in April and the OB told me I could drink there, but don't get drunk and overdo it. I may have a sip here and there, but I don't want to offend anyone on the trip if they see me drinking at 32w.

Do what your ob says.

ElRuby

I am really surprised to hear doctors are recommending alcohol. There has yet to be any agreed upon safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the ONLY 100% preventable developmental disability so I can't understand why anyone would risk it. Also, if alcohol is the best coping skill against anxiety you may want to consider other options to help you manage it. Now this is absolutely not saying the occasional glass of wine is going to harm your baby or cause any particular disability but given the inconclusive evidence of causal factors (other than the alcohol itself) I just don't understand the risk when it's only for 9 months.

lilyellow

My doctor, who's the head of her practice, said while she was pregnant she had 2 or 3 glasses of wine or beer a week! @mellymar, I'm a huge beer geek too, but I think those extra delicious high ABV microbrews are probably not the best to have a whole pint of! I wish my watering hole had those little tasters. @MrsWilson830, I hope the wine helps with your anxiety!

mathistm

I have no qualms against drinking while pregnant in particular. I am just surprised a doctor wouldn't recommend a healthier coping alternative like breathing exercises, yoga, putting your feet up, etc.

ElRuby

mathistm said:

I have no qualms against drinking while pregnant in particular. I am just surprised a doctor wouldn't recommend a healthier coping alternative like breathing exercises, yoga, putting your feet up, etc.

Yes, I think this is what has me the most baffled...as if alcohol and anxiety meds are the only options for anxiety?!

ajgerber

mathistm said:

I have no qualms against drinking while pregnant in particular. I am just surprised a doctor wouldn't recommend a healthier coping alternative like breathing exercises, yoga, putting your feet up, etc.

This is a good point. Even not pregnant, I'm not sure that should be an initial recommendation.

KonaCoffeeBean

mathistm said:

I have no qualms against drinking while pregnant in particular. I am just surprised a doctor wouldn't recommend a healthier coping alternative like breathing exercises, yoga, putting your feet up, etc.

My thoughts exactly. I'm all for enjoying the occasional glass of wine or beer, but relying on alcohol for stress relief if dicey territory, pregnant or not.

Trampslikeus

Nothing to do with anxiety or anything else, but my OB and all of my doctor friends have all said (and done) the same -  after first trimester, small occasional amounts of beer or wine are perfectly safe.

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ElRuby

MrsWilson830 said:

KonaCoffeeBean said:

mathistm said:

I have no qualms against drinking while pregnant in particular. I am just surprised a doctor wouldn't recommend a healthier coping alternative like breathing exercises, yoga, putting your feet up, etc.

My thoughts exactly. I'm all for enjoying the occasional glass of wine or beer, but relying on alcohol for stress relief if dicey territory, pregnant or not.

That's the thing- I've done that. I am using essential oils, taking baths, lighting candles, going to prenatal yoga classes twice a week, reading, being completely stress free! But I wake up anxious I have heart palpitations with the anxiety, I've had 3 panic attacks in a month. I've tried those other options.

If you are having panic attacks you might want to have a consultation with a psychiatrist or psychologist for further evaluation ... They can be valuable members of your treatment team.

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ElRuby

MrsWilson830 said:

@EIRuby I even asked the doctors that the two times I've gone since the anxiety started and they all have said it's perfectly normal and all hormones. She said this level of anxiety is just as common as morning sickness (although, idk if I believe that) and it will go away in the third trimester as my hormones level out. That I just need to manage it for now.

Wow I am very sorry that you are dealing with this... I have never heard of panic attacks being a normal pregnancy symptom..... Have you tried some deep breathing or maybe massage?

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dancegurl1118

If the idea of drinking while pregnant is making you nervous then I definitely wouldn't recommend it to help relieve anxiety.

ElRuby

Well there is always sex and exercise... Free and widely accepted forms of stress relief ... Good luck with your pregnancy and I hope you begin to experience some relief soon!

courtyowl427

I had a a lovely glass of red wine with my friends at dinner on Saturday in my home. It was fantastic treat and I slept like a baby.

I have allowed myself two glasses of wine in 20 wks all after the first tri. That's just what I've been comfortable with. I did my research and made my decision. So what makes you comfortable.

ElRuby

dancegurl1118 said:

If the idea of drinking while pregnant is making you nervous then I definitely wouldn't recommend it to help relieve anxiety.

Great point! That anxiety alone may trigger more panic and anxiety.

chrissymkke

I don't mean to start a debate here but just wondering why some alcohol may be acceptable while pregnant but smoking an occasional joint is not? Is it because weed is illegal in some states? The possible effects with both seem similar but alcohol is not as frowned upon. I haven't smoked or drank a drop since being pregnant (and I looooove beer), nor do I have a problem with others doing either while pregnant. I've been curious about this.

dezpez07

There is a HUGE vendetta against cannibis because it is classified as a schedule one drug. I have known many women who occasionally smoked throughout their pregnancy or at the beginning because of nausea and their baby's are all fine. There hasn't been any evidence or tests dont to actually say the effects on a pregnancy. People used to smoke cigarettes in the 50's and 60's while pregnancy and it was normal for them. I believe it's a personal preference for yourself.

dancegurl1118

@dezpez07‌ please don't ever use smoking cigarettes in the "50's and 60's" as an excuse for doing ANYTHING in pregnancy. Cutting off the supply of oxygen to your placenta every time you have a cigarette is NOT harmless to babies, has lasting effects, and you will be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't agree.

Citing cigarette use from past decades to back up your argument for weed is probably the least effective thing possible..

bee19831

I dealt with bad anxiety for years and I found drinking made it much worse!! But I definitely wasn't drinking in moderation then!! So maybe a glass may help you . I love guided meditation as well. Hope you feel better, anxiety is hard . A councellor really helped me as well.

gabriellamason93

dancegurl1118 said:

@dezpez07‌ please don't ever use smoking cigarettes in the "50's and 60's" as an excuse for doing ANYTHING in pregnancy. Cutting off the supply of oxygen to your placenta every time you have a cigarette is NOT harmless to babies, has lasting effects, and you will be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't agree.

Citing cigarette use from past decades to back up your argument for weed is probably the least effective thing possible..

I think subjecting an immature liver to alcohol is just as bad as this, let's not forget what we have our babies has and I personally wouldn't drink or smoke throughout my pregnancy and I did both prior

CateOfChicago

I'm overly cautious so no alcohol or caffeine for me. I'd give up a limb for some cough syrup right now but the pharmacist told DH it isn't recommended so he came home empty handed. I hope I kept him up with my coughing and the pharmacist with the evil curse I put on him. I never thought I'd see the day when I picked cough syrup over liquor. Calling the doc when they open.

ElRuby

CateOfChicago said:

I'm overly cautious so no alcohol or caffeine for me. I'd give up a limb for some cough syrup right now but the pharmacist told DH it isn't recommended so he came home empty handed. I hope I kept him up with my coughing and the pharmacist with the evil curse I put on him. I never thought I'd see the day when I picked cough syrup over liquor. Calling the doc when they open.

Not sure this is overly cautious or just plain common sense!

heatheremanderson

Plain DM cough syrup has been found to be safe in pregnancy depending on which trimester that you are in.

https://www.motherisk.org/ is a great website created by OB's and pediatric specialists that has a list of safe and not safe products during pregnancy. (Sick Children's Hospital is an internationally recognized hospital for pediatrics here in Toronto where children from all over the world have come to be treated especially for specialized and rare cases)

Frankly I am surprised that your OB's first option was 'here have a glass of wine'. There are other (and less expensive) treatment options available. Light therapy, increasing your fatty acids, exercise regimes, etc that are far better alternatives than to alcohol. Alcohol is at best a bandaid effect and in MOST cases of anxiety and depression further aggravates it! 

mlindzz

If your doc says it's safe, it likely is.

But I also struggle with anxiety and having any alcohol would certainly not help me manage it at all. I know that I would drive myself nuts thinking about the potential risks and it would only leave me feeling guilty and more anxious than before.

I also work with lots of people with FASD so I'm reminded daily about how their parents choice to consume alcohol effects them often in almost each aspects of their life. As we all know, it doesn't happen to every child whose parent drinks, but the research isn't clear cut. The only guarantee is no alcohol is a safe amount. So it wouldn't be worth the risk and heightened anxiety for me.

Although you know yourself best, and taking care of yourself is also taking care of your little one. And stress isn't good for the baby, so if you believe there is no risk in a glass of wine and it won't heighten your anxiety, you are blessed either way!

mlindzz

ElRuby said:

Well there is always sex and exercise... Free and widely accepted forms of stress relief ... Good luck with your pregnancy and I hope you begin to experience some relief soon!

Love this! Lol

mathistm

It makes me a little concerned how many people say "well if your doctor says it's okay it is". There is so much differing of opinion between doctors and I personally trust my doctor, but still research things on my own before making most medical decisions. Yes, your doctor has a lot of medical knowledge but no one is an expert on everything. Please research some of this stuff. And research your research to find out who is funding that research.

KonaCoffeeBean

dezpez07 said:

There is a HUGE vendetta against cannibis because it is classified as a schedule one drug. I have known many women who occasionally smoked throughout their pregnancy or at the beginning because of nausea and their baby's are all fine. There hasn't been any evidence or tests dont to actually say the effects on a pregnancy. People used to smoke cigarettes in the 50's and 60's while pregnancy and it was normal for them. I believe it's a personal preference for yourself.

I don't think it really has anything to do with the legality status (says the girl from Colorado). I think it has everything to do with how the drug is ingested. I certainly judge much more harshly an expectant mother who was smoking marijuana versus one who is consuming it through an edible product.

Ana0927

CateOfChicago said:

I'm overly cautious so no alcohol or caffeine for me. I'd give up a limb for some cough syrup right now but the pharmacist told DH it isn't recommended so he came home empty handed. I hope I kept him up with my coughing and the pharmacist with the evil curse I put on him. I never thought I'd see the day when I picked cough syrup over liquor. Calling the doc when they open.

I had a cold this weekend and called my OB. She said cough syrup was fine. There are OTC meds that are ok during pregnancy. 

As far as alcohol, I am comfortable with an occasional glass of wine. Then again I am comfortable eating and drinking many things that shouldn't be consumed during pregnancy so to each their own. 

ElRuby

mathistm said:

It makes me a little concerned how many people say "well if your doctor says it's okay it is". There is so much differing of opinion between doctors and I personally trust my doctor, but still research things on my own before making most medical decisions. Yes, your doctor has a lot of medical knowledge but no one is an expert on everything. Please research some of this stuff. And research your research to find out who is funding that research.

Yes, I agree with this! History teaches us that many things that may have once been considered safe are not.... And there is such a diverse range of doctor opinions, people really need to be more responsible in making decisions than blindly doing what they are told. And I bet not one person would find a pediatrician who would support alcohol during pregnancy....