Wine while pregnant?

Marchmellow2 · May 2013

What do you guys think about having a glass of wine occasionally? Have you done it? Do you think it's bad? If you've done it, how often? My friend told me yesterday that drinking a glass of red wine everyday is good for pregnant women! I Iaughed and just told her I'd look it up. I haven't done it but I might have one glass on my birthday... What do you guys think?

74dragonfly · May 2013

I don't. My ob says zero alcohol. For me I won't risk it.

sonrisa · May 2013

First trimester, don't do it. Later on, some people consider it okay.

From anectdote, the women I know who took that more lax attitude are also the women whose children now have autism and behavior problem issues, so I don't. (Not all of the kids had issues, but the kids who did all had moms with more lax approaches to wine or one who thought pot would help morning sickness - wtf?).

swirl25 · May 2013

Never during 1st tri, but I personally feel too guilty to have even a small amount in 2nd or 3rd. My OB is also conservative and wouldn't advise it. I honestly don't crave it too much while pregnant, anyway. I just console myself that I will be able to have a proper drink on NYE!

I have a friend who was pregnant on her 30th birthday and was 8 months pregnant. She had a small glass of wine and obviously all was fine. It's honestly all up to you and your comfort level.

bethLenell · May 2013

I am of the opinion of why risk it! It might not be bad to have one glass of wine once in a while while pregnant but why take the risk. I would always question myself if my child was born with a defect or learning disorder. If I don't drink I don't blame myself later. Also I'm not going to yell at anyone who decided to do it. It's their choice. You have to do what you are comfortable with and what the doctor recommends.

chix96 · May 2013

I wouldn't during the first trimester. However, the rate of fetal alcohol syndrome is not substantially different in Europe, where attitudes are much more relaxed. PP brings up a good point sbout things that are below the level of FAS, like behavioral issues. Unfirtunately, anecdotal evidence is just that. For myself, I might have a little wine or beer in the third tri, but will hold off otherwise.

jmb527 · May 2013

I didn't last time at all and won't this time either. I hear a lot of people day a glass of wine in 3rd tri is ok etc. I wouldn't berate those who do as its a personal choice.

ScarlettV · May 2013

The thing is that everyone woman and baby is different and you have no way of knowing how those drinks will affect your baby. I wouldn't risk it in the first tri. Maybe on occassion in the last.

spideranco · May 2013

I have spent my career working with children and adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (hence my signature picture) and working with leading doctors and nurses in this diagnosis. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. The sad thing is only 6 of the almost 150 medical schools in the US require any coursework that contains info about FASD so most physicians (even OBs) are not properly educated on this topic. I have seen ultrasounds which show the baby while the mother drinks. After a few sips (a few SIPS!) the baby's movement slows. After about one serving of wine, beer or alcohol the baby is often passed out. Think about how you feel after a glass or two, imagine what that does to the baby who weights a fraction of what you weigh. The reason it is even unsafe after the first tri is because the main organ affected by alcohol is the brain...which obviously never stops growing during pregnancy. No matter which day you drink, the brain development during that day will be harmed. Some people have no effects but others do. It becomes a game of chance. I worked with a mom who was a lawyer, smart beautiful lady in a high stress career. Her OB told her to drink a glass at night in her third tri to help her relax. She had about one glass 2-3 nights a week (sometimes none) and her child was unfortunately born with lower IQ, behavioral and social concerns. The mom is embarrassed, ashamed and lives with that regret every day. I try not to judge others because I know they haven't seen what I have seen. But I implore you to celebrate in another way. For more information go to www.nofas.org or www.mofas.org I hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

golfingdarwinfish · May 2013

There's no data to show the "tipping point" between acceptable and DAMAGE! DAMAGE! DAMAGE!, so I refuse to participate in this game. I understand that in certain cultures alcohol is acceptable during pregnancy, but I'm not willing to tempt fate. If something was wrong with LO, I would probably rationally/irrationally always go back to those glasses of wine and wonder how it could have been so important at the time.

notkateanymore · May 2013

You need to talk with your doctor and make your own decision. It's a very personal choice. I will have wine after the first trimester. I wouldn't drink a big gin and tonic, but wine every once in awhile doesn't bother me in the least.

cammyisagirlsname · May 2013

One of my girlfriends drank a glass of beer or champagne here and there while pregnant. And I always just thought "how could she do this?!" I personally will not have a sip of alcohol during this pregnancy. Or until I'm done breast feeding. Sure, I love drinking! But for me, I just don't feel it's right to do.

notkateanymore · May 2013

sonrisa:
From anectdote, the women I know who took that more lax attitude are also the women whose children now have autism and behavior problem issues, so I don't. (Not all of the kids had issues, but the kids who did all had moms with more lax approaches to wine or one who thought pot would help morning sickness - wtf?).

I'm sorry, are you saying that wine caused their autism?

laurenmorris1 · May 2013

Please be careful when we say what causes neurological disorders, autism is NOT caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. As an individual who works with children with autism and is provincially trained, autism has not been identified as being caused by certain factors.

notkateanymore · May 2013

laurenmorris1:
Please be careful when we say what causes neurological disorders, autism is NOT caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. As an individual who works with children with autism and is provincially trained, autism has not been identified as being caused by certain factors.

Maybe that's not what she's saying, but it sure reads like it.

beanpop · May 2013

I did drink occasionally, a few sips here and there, while pregnant with DD. I will this pregnancy as well. It is a personal choice.

spideranco · May 2013

M&H2011:
spideranco:
I have spent my career working with children and adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (hence my signature picture) and working with leading doctors and nurses in this diagnosis. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. The sad thing is only 6 of the almost 150 medical schools in the US require any coursework that contains info about FASD so most physicians (even OBs) are not properly educated on this topic. I have seen ultrasounds which show the baby while the mother drinks. After a few sips (a few SIPS!) the baby's movement slows. After about one serving of wine, beer or alcohol the baby is often passed out. Think about how you feel after a glass or two, imagine what that does to the baby who weights a fraction of what you weigh. The reason it is even unsafe after the first tri is because the main organ affected by alcohol is the brain...which obviously never stops growing during pregnancy. No matter which day you drink, the brain development during that day will be harmed. Some people have no effects but others do. It becomes a game of chance. I worked with a mom who was a lawyer, smart beautiful lady in a high stress career. Her OB told her to drink a glass at night in her third tri to help her relax. She had about one glass 2-3 nights a week (sometimes none) and her child was unfortunately born with lower IQ, behavioral and social concerns. The mom is embarrassed, ashamed and lives with that regret every day. I try not to judge others because I know they haven't seen what I have seen. But I implore you to celebrate in another way. For more information go to www.nofas.org or www.mofas.org I hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
I've never heard of the measurable effects on the baby after a few sips let alone an entire serving of wine. That is shocking to me. I plan to read further. Thank you for opening my eyes to that perspective. I really mean that.

Sorry if this is posted twice, I tried to respond once but my internet connection had a blip so I don't think it posted (at least I don't see it). I saw the ultrasound as part of a research panel I was able to be involved with as part of my work with FASD organizations. I do not know if that research is public or published yet since these studies often go on for years/decades. At the time I had worked in the FASD field for 5 years and even I was still on the fence about a glass or two. Seeing that changed my mind forever. It was absolutely unbelievable. I really hope it is published and something all moms can see in the future.

leahraewku · May 2013

I had half a glass here and there during 3rd tri and probably will again. My husband is an MD, and is totally fine with it, as is my OB.

lp0 · May 2013

Honestly I don't agree with drinking at all during your pregnancy but that's just me. If someone wants to enjoy a glass a wine then that's their decision. I just see it as I wouldn't give my baby a glass of wine outside of my body so I am not going to do it while he/she is inside my body. The alcohol doesn't mean that much to me and I could certainly give it up if it means zero chance of my baby having FASD.

leahraewku · May 2013

spideranco:
M&H2011:
spideranco:
I have spent my career working with children and adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (hence my signature picture) and working with leading doctors and nurses in this diagnosis. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. The sad thing is only 6 of the almost 150 medical schools in the US require any coursework that contains info about FASD so most physicians (even OBs) are not properly educated on this topic. I have seen ultrasounds which show the baby while the mother drinks. After a few sips (a few SIPS!) the baby's movement slows. After about one serving of wine, beer or alcohol the baby is often passed out. Think about how you feel after a glass or two, imagine what that does to the baby who weights a fraction of what you weigh. The reason it is even unsafe after the first tri is because the main organ affected by alcohol is the brain...which obviously never stops growing during pregnancy. No matter which day you drink, the brain development during that day will be harmed. Some people have no effects but others do. It becomes a game of chance. I worked with a mom who was a lawyer, smart beautiful lady in a high stress career. Her OB told her to drink a glass at night in her third tri to help her relax. She had about one glass 2-3 nights a week (sometimes none) and her child was unfortunately born with lower IQ, behavioral and social concerns. The mom is embarrassed, ashamed and lives with that regret every day. I try not to judge others because I know they haven't seen what I have seen. But I implore you to celebrate in another way. For more information go to www.nofas.org or www.mofas.org I hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
I've never heard of the measurable effects on the baby after a few sips let alone an entire serving of wine. That is shocking to me. I plan to read further. Thank you for opening my eyes to that perspective. I really mean that.
Sorry if this is posted twice, I tried to respond once but my internet connection had a blip so I don't think it posted (at least I don't see it). I saw the ultrasound as part of a research panel I was able to be involved with as part of my work with FASD organizations. I do not know if that research is public or published yet since these studies often go on for years/decades. At the time I had worked in the FASD field for 5 years and even I was still on the fence about a glass or two. Seeing that changed my mind forever. It was absolutely unbelievable. I really hope it is published and something all moms can see in the future.

Are you telling me there are studies being conducted in the United States where they're giving pregnant women alcohol? Because I find it HIGHLY unlikely that the IRB would ever approve that kind of study.

HerbanMom · May 2013

I certainly would NEVER consider consuming anything with alcohol in the first trimester, honestly not in the second trimester either. I did have half of a beer when I was in the beginning stages of labor with my first son. With DS2 my OB recommended I have a glass of wine ever so often in my third trimester, he certainly never said daily or a few times a week. But he said that maybe once a week or so and it wouldn't cause any harm and the benefits of relaxing were needed for me since I was having preterm labor problems. In the last couple of weeks I may have had maybe 3 glasses of wine and it was always a half glass and I added water.

I'm not opposed to that this time around but I'm certainly not craving alcohol but I do appreciate that the basic physical action of just lounging and having a glass of wine can be incredibly relaxing to some

spideranco · May 2013

leahraewku:
spideranco:
M&H2011:
spideranco:
I have spent my career working with children and adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (hence my signature picture) and working with leading doctors and nurses in this diagnosis. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. The sad thing is only 6 of the almost 150 medical schools in the US require any coursework that contains info about FASD so most physicians (even OBs) are not properly educated on this topic. I have seen ultrasounds which show the baby while the mother drinks. After a few sips (a few SIPS!) the baby's movement slows. After about one serving of wine, beer or alcohol the baby is often passed out. Think about how you feel after a glass or two, imagine what that does to the baby who weights a fraction of what you weigh. The reason it is even unsafe after the first tri is because the main organ affected by alcohol is the brain...which obviously never stops growing during pregnancy. No matter which day you drink, the brain development during that day will be harmed. Some people have no effects but others do. It becomes a game of chance. I worked with a mom who was a lawyer, smart beautiful lady in a high stress career. Her OB told her to drink a glass at night in her third tri to help her relax. She had about one glass 2-3 nights a week (sometimes none) and her child was unfortunately born with lower IQ, behavioral and social concerns. The mom is embarrassed, ashamed and lives with that regret every day. I try not to judge others because I know they haven't seen what I have seen. But I implore you to celebrate in another way. For more information go to www.nofas.org or www.mofas.org I hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
I've never heard of the measurable effects on the baby after a few sips let alone an entire serving of wine. That is shocking to me. I plan to read further. Thank you for opening my eyes to that perspective. I really mean that.
Sorry if this is posted twice, I tried to respond once but my internet connection had a blip so I don't think it posted (at least I don't see it). I saw the ultrasound as part of a research panel I was able to be involved with as part of my work with FASD organizations. I do not know if that research is public or published yet since these studies often go on for years/decades. At the time I had worked in the FASD field for 5 years and even I was still on the fence about a glass or two. Seeing that changed my mind forever. It was absolutely unbelievable. I really hope it is published and something all moms can see in the future.

Are you telling me there are studies being conducted in the United States where they're giving pregnant women alcohol? Because I find it HIGHLY unlikely that the IRB would ever approve that kind of study.

It was conducted with women who admitted to drinking while pregnant, they signed waivers, received counseling on the effects and were told they are going against medical advice and said they would still drink with or without the study. I was shocked that this would be allowed as well but under appropriate measures it is approved.

MrsC731 · May 2013

leahraewku:
spideranco:
M&H2011:
spideranco:
I have spent my career working with children and adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (hence my signature picture) and working with leading doctors and nurses in this diagnosis. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. The sad thing is only 6 of the almost 150 medical schools in the US require any coursework that contains info about FASD so most physicians (even OBs) are not properly educated on this topic. I have seen ultrasounds which show the baby while the mother drinks. After a few sips (a few SIPS!) the baby's movement slows. After about one serving of wine, beer or alcohol the baby is often passed out. Think about how you feel after a glass or two, imagine what that does to the baby who weights a fraction of what you weigh. The reason it is even unsafe after the first tri is because the main organ affected by alcohol is the brain...which obviously never stops growing during pregnancy. No matter which day you drink, the brain development during that day will be harmed. Some people have no effects but others do. It becomes a game of chance. I worked with a mom who was a lawyer, smart beautiful lady in a high stress career. Her OB told her to drink a glass at night in her third tri to help her relax. She had about one glass 2-3 nights a week (sometimes none) and her child was unfortunately born with lower IQ, behavioral and social concerns. The mom is embarrassed, ashamed and lives with that regret every day. I try not to judge others because I know they haven't seen what I have seen. But I implore you to celebrate in another way. For more information go to www.nofas.org or www.mofas.org I hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
I've never heard of the measurable effects on the baby after a few sips let alone an entire serving of wine.  That is shocking to me.  I plan to read further.  Thank you for opening my eyes to that perspective. I really mean that. 
Sorry if this is posted twice, I tried to respond once but my internet connection had a blip so I don't think it posted (at least I don't see it). I saw the ultrasound as part of a research panel I was able to be involved with as part of my work with FASD organizations. I do not know if that research is public or published yet since these studies often go on for years/decades. At the time I had worked in the FASD field for 5 years and even I was still on the fence about a glass or two. Seeing that changed my mind forever. It was absolutely unbelievable. I really hope it is published and something all moms can see in the future.
 
Are you telling me there are studies being conducted in the United States where they're giving pregnant women alcohol? Because I find it HIGHLY unlikely that the IRB would ever approve that kind of study.

I agree. Where was this "study" done? That is the reason that they don't know the affects of alcohol is because they can't conduct this study.

joshandpanda · May 2013

I was very cautious with my first, but did have a half glass every once in a while. Even during first tri. My little boy just turned one and has zero issues at all. As far as this pregnancy, I haven't had any, only because I don't have a craving for it at all.

GeauxM&V · May 2013

I agree with most of the above...my OB said that an occasional glass after first tri is totally fine, but I don't think I will. I am not a huge wine drinker anyway, so I'm probably just going to stay away from it. For others, it really is not a big deal.

spideranco · May 2013

RE: Sorry, I was reading fast and didn't see the distinction about the U.S. or other country question. I believe it was being conducted in Ireland...but honestly it was about 3 years ago I don't remember that country I just remember what I saw. I was a "companion" to an individual who was a self-advocate for FASD during this research panel and they were looking at studies from various countries to explore which avenues they wanted to investigate.

Cazzamonger · May 2013

I'm certainly giving up for the first trimester, which is hard for me as I really enjoyed drinking before, but I've found alcohol free beer which although not the same does make me feel like I'm having a drink, and I've just found alcohol free wine but haven't opened it yet!!

MollySm · May 2013

MrsC731:
leahraewku:
spideranco:
M&H2011:
spideranco:
I have spent my career working with children and adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (hence my signature picture) and working with leading doctors and nurses in this diagnosis. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. The sad thing is only 6 of the almost 150 medical schools in the US require any coursework that contains info about FASD so most physicians (even OBs) are not properly educated on this topic. I have seen ultrasounds which show the baby while the mother drinks. After a few sips (a few SIPS!) the baby's movement slows. After about one serving of wine, beer or alcohol the baby is often passed out. Think about how you feel after a glass or two, imagine what that does to the baby who weights a fraction of what you weigh. The reason it is even unsafe after the first tri is because the main organ affected by alcohol is the brain...which obviously never stops growing during pregnancy. No matter which day you drink, the brain development during that day will be harmed. Some people have no effects but others do. It becomes a game of chance. I worked with a mom who was a lawyer, smart beautiful lady in a high stress career. Her OB told her to drink a glass at night in her third tri to help her relax. She had about one glass 2-3 nights a week (sometimes none) and her child was unfortunately born with lower IQ, behavioral and social concerns. The mom is embarrassed, ashamed and lives with that regret every day. I try not to judge others because I know they haven't seen what I have seen. But I implore you to celebrate in another way. For more information go to www.nofas.org or www.mofas.org I hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
I've never heard of the measurable effects on the baby after a few sips let alone an entire serving of wine. That is shocking to me. I plan to read further. Thank you for opening my eyes to that perspective. I really mean that.
Sorry if this is posted twice, I tried to respond once but my internet connection had a blip so I don't think it posted (at least I don't see it). I saw the ultrasound as part of a research panel I was able to be involved with as part of my work with FASD organizations. I do not know if that research is public or published yet since these studies often go on for years/decades. At the time I had worked in the FASD field for 5 years and even I was still on the fence about a glass or two. Seeing that changed my mind forever. It was absolutely unbelievable. I really hope it is published and something all moms can see in the future.

Are you telling me there are studies being conducted in the United States where they're giving pregnant women alcohol? Because I find it HIGHLY unlikely that the IRB would ever approve that kind of study.
I agree. Where was this "study" done? That is the reason that they don't know the affects of alcohol is because they can't conduct this study.

Did they give them other things to eat and drink while you watched, to see that alcohol was what was causing the effect?

KFED103 · May 2013

lol...I can't wait to see the "I will never drink a drop while pg OR breastfeeding" new moms when they are a few months into BFing and all they want is a glass of wine. If baby is asleep for a while and just in case baby wakes up they have stored milk in the fridge all ready to go, I will take that bet with almost 100% certainty that they will have that glass of wine!!!

giggles0918 · May 2013

I won't b/c I won't drink at all but especially not during 1st tri! I know when my mom was PG her and all her friends had small glasses here and there. As much as I'd love a glass I'd just feel way to guilty drinking it.

tealowl · May 2013

I'll probably have wine or beer if we're out to dinner, or holidays, parties, etc.

willowprincess · May 2013

Personally, no I don't think it's ok. My adopted sisters had FAS and so I'm super wary of any alcohol during pregnancy.

However, if I see a woman having one glass I would not judge her for it. It's just outside my own personal comfort level.

spideranco · May 2013

RE: other items to eat or drink during the ultra sound show the effects of alcohol. There were groups that include things like caffeine (coffee, tea, etc.) and other "control" groups that showed no effects similar to the alcohol consumption. We did not see those since this research panel was only focused on looking at research about alcohol but those controls were mentioned.

Honestly, if I was any of you I'd be skeptical of some random lady saying this. If I heard this I would think the chick saying it was crazy. But I can't "un-see" what I saw. I don't expect any of you to believe me or trust me blindly. I just hope that research comes out some day because it definitely changed me forever. I'm not saying I'm a saint or anything. I had subway for lunch the other day (gasp). I know I will drink (pump and dump and use test strips) when I am breastfeeding but during pregnancy I won't put my baby through this after seeing those ultrasounds.

sonrisa · May 2013

KateMW:
sonrisa:
From anectdote, the women I know who took that more lax attitude are also the women whose children now have autism and behavior problem issues, so I don't. (Not all of the kids had issues, but the kids who did all had moms with more lax approaches to wine or one who thought pot would help morning sickness - wtf?).
I'm sorry, are you saying that wine caused their autism?

No, I'm saying I've seen a correlation among my friends and it has spooked me. Correlation isn't causation and the sample set is small. Nonetheless, It has made me more cautious.

sonrisa · May 2013

Loolaide:
Also, there has been an actual peer reviewed study that showed that women who occasionally had small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy actually had smarter, more well adjusted kids. It was theorized that the women were more relaxed in general than their peers and that was why their kids were smarter. But your anecdote totally holds just as much weight as a peer reviewed study using the scientific method.

I know. I read those studies and my first pregnancy I had a more laissez faire attitude toward alcohol. I didn't drink because it didn't appeal but had thought I would. Over time, as I've seen these kids grow I feel less relaxed about it.

sonrisa · May 2013

I know defending wine during pregnancy is trendy these days. It is still a known teratogenic substance that is bad for the health of adults, too. The only question is when does it go from teratogenic to possibly okay. What I have seen (in kids in different cities/states) makes me feel like it isn't a risk worth taking. You can do what you want with your own womb. Fighting for other people to drink can still be you big pregnancy cause.

klistor12 · May 2013

I didn't drink at all with DD, and I won't with this pregnancy either. It's not worth it to me. As for nursing, I nursed DD for 17 months, and I did have a few glasses of wine now and then once she was older. I would wait until right after nursing her to have a glass of wine since I knew that by the next time I nursed it would be out of my system. I did a lot of research on drinking while pregnant and drinking while nursing, and this is what I decided was my comfort level.

spideranco · May 2013

I totally agree about the no autism/drinking connection. Misinformation about FASD is huge, which is why I am personally so passionate about women being educated on the topic of how alcohol can harm a baby. Hence why I recommended checking out www.nofas.org. You may think what I said was misinformation. Like I said, I understand that it can be hard to believe if you haven't seen it yourself and why you call it a "study." I feel very fortunate to have been able to be a privy to the information in that research panel. Everyone is allowed to make their own choices. I just hope people are making informed choices. I wish everyone a happy and healthy pregnancy!

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