This Just In: Alcohol Consumption Should Be ZERO

rlbjones · October 2015

https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/AAP-Says-No-Amount-of-Alcohol-Should-be-Considered-Safe-During-Pregnancy.aspx

I haven't partaken at all, just to be safe, but I'd considered a sip here & there.

MrsLeanMeanClean · October 2015

Actually.not new the US always has.advocated an abstinence approach (it's gone so well for sex ed and that whole prohibition thing)....

NHS has always suggested 1-2 units 1-2 times a week.... and used to specifically suggest Guinness because of the specific nutrients preserved in the brewing process...
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/alcohol-medicines-drugs-pregnant.aspx

It's a a personal choice... In 21 weeks I have had 2 pints of cider and 2 glasses of wine... The last of which was a well deserved malbec Sunday night that was great with the roast lamb and I had my best nights sleep.in weeks

yodapup · October 2015

DH would have a heart attack if I had a beer or glass of wine haha. I'll take a few sips of whatever he's having every once in a while through.

SarahFoley725 · October 2015

This has been a pretty American view on it for a while. I know they say a glass of red wine every now and then is fine. I heard this report on the radio this morning.

I know in Europe lots of women still drink and I'd imagine if their kids weren't fine they'd do something about it. Personally, I am taking a better safe than sorry approach. I will have a swig of beer every now and then. They can't stop me from enjoying fall brews!!!

bntfroggie · October 2015

I choose not to indulge as well, but I didn't really indulge much before.

ceds07 · October 2015

This isn't necessarily new. I'm personally comfortable with 1 glass (4oz, measured) of wine a week. I did the same with DD. I would never question why anyone did follow the guidelines strictly though. Definitely to each their own (within reason).

kellygrace2 · October 2015

bntfroggie said:
I choose not to indulge as well, but I didn't really indulge much before.

Ditto. Helps that DH doesn't drink so zero temptation at home. And since we have our 20 month old DD it isn't like we go out to tons of social gatherings.

kynbar5 · October 2015

My mother is an alcoholic so I definitely don't drink (and haven't ever) and thankfully my husband doesn't either. Being around it my whole life has been a huge turn off and I really don't want to bring my kids up around it. Just my experience and opinion.

elle313 · October 2015

I don't judge other mamas who have a sip here and there, but personally I feel most comfortable taking the not at all approach. I'm such a worrier that it'd just give me another thing to add to my list.

mbirrelljackson · October 2015

What I really want to say, sarcastically: Just to be safe, don't leave your house. Ever.

What I'm going to say instead: One thing I've struggled with the most during this pregnancy is the overwhelming fear based warnings that come along with it. From doctors, family, friends, strangers, the internet, etc. I feel like warnings about alcohol and the one million other things that "could possibly do harm" are mostly for those who don't live within moderation. A glass of wine will not kill your baby. If that has ever happened in the history of life, I'd love to see the article/medical journal that proves it. You don't need to live in a bubble to have a healthy baby!

The pressure and the judgements are just too much. This article, to me, is just another thread that will make a Mom feel like an awful person for partaking in a champagne toast. Enough!

kitteh81 · October 2015

Had a beer with dinner. Drank the whole bottle. Sry, not sry.

hellomcintosh · October 2015

I'm of the opinion that it would be fine to have a glass of wine or a beer every now and then, but I personally haven't because I barely drank before. I can't really justify drinking now, you know?

Torpedogirl · October 2015

I have never had one sip of alcohol while I was pregnant with any of my 4 pregnancies. It's my preference and what I am comfortable with. I just don't feel like it is worth it to take the risk. If something alters my judgment or ability to function I don't think it is great for the babe so I just stay away even small amounts.

LilLump2 · October 2015

Haven't had a drink in any of my pregnancies, other than occasional communion wine - which is diluted, and only a sip. FAS scares the sh*t out of me.

MrsLeanMeanClean · October 2015

mbirrelljackson said:

What I really want to say, sarcastically: Just to be safe, don't leave your house. Ever.

What I'm going to say instead: One thing I've struggled with the most during this pregnancy is the overwhelming fear based warnings that come along with it. From doctors, family, friends, strangers, the internet, etc. I feel like warnings about alcohol and the one million other things that "could possibly do harm" are mostly for those who don't live within moderation. A glass of wine will not kill your baby. If that has ever happened in the history of life, I'd love to see the article/medical journal that proves it. You don't need to live in a bubble to have a healthy baby!

The pressure and the judgements are just too much. This article, to me, is just another thread that will make a Mom feel like an awful person for partaking in a champagne toast. Enough!

Have you read Expecting Better? I found it to be a great resource

Melodyags · October 2015

I would never even consider consuming alcohol when pregnant.

lcq5504 · October 2015

I'm not much of a drinker when I'm not pregnant, so don't see a need for it when I am. I don't judge those who do it within reason and using good judgment.

oceanchild · October 2015

I have had a drink here and there with all of my babies.

ceds07 · October 2015

I don't judge people who do or don't drink (or do anything else, really - except maybe smoke because ick) but I totally eye roll at people who use phrases like I WOULD NEVER EVER EVER.

MrsLeanMeanClean · October 2015

ceds07 said:
I don't judge people who do or don't drink (or do anything else, really - except maybe smoke because ick) but I totally eye roll at people who use phrases like I WOULD NEVER EVER EVER.

I raise myglass to others petty judgement

jmathi0149 · October 2015

I say to each their own. We had just gotten back from 8 days in Mexico when I got my positive test. There was plenty of drinking in Mexico. To my credit, I took a test before we went and it was negative. My doctor said to consider my last hoorah.

Unfortunately for me I have had the biggest aversion to any alcohol during both of my pregnancies. Even the smell of beer on my husband makes me nauseous! So even if I did want to partake in a glass of wine, I just can't. I just stopped getting sick last week! Enjoy it if you can (and want to) or refrain if you want to be on the super safe side.

Parker16772 · October 2015

This is pretty much a non issue for me because I am not much of a drinker anyway. I don't crave anything. A diet coke yes...wine or beer no. I haven't had any but I certianly don't judge moms who have some here or there.

rlbjones · October 2015

In five years another study will come out (again) that says a glass of wine once every few weeks (or months) is fine.

I've been told by so many other preggies that they eat cold cuts, drink alcohol (in moderation), eat soft cheese, etc. And their kids are fine. GREAT for them & no judgement here...unless, of course, something were to go wrong & then I suppose I couldn't help a little bit of my mother's judgmental smugness. But it would only last a split second & then I would feel terrible for feeling that way & terrible for them for having to live the rest of their lives knowing they caused their children to have life-altering issues.

All I know about FAS is that the kids that have it are really hard to deal with on many levels, not to mention the health problems. If I have to abstain from a delicious bubbly drink to check one issue off of the list of 'what-ifs' then so be it. I'll take a bottle with me to the delivery room & pop it open as soon as the little bugger has gotten its first meal.

oceanchild · October 2015

(Or every few days even).
Yup I am totally that mama who eats *ALL* the sushi and soft cheese and IceDream my entire pregnancies.

oceanchild · October 2015

And oh yes, we totally toast when the baby is born too, but I have no problem doing while he's having his first meal LOL

MrsLeanMeanClean · October 2015

Just in case people don't know... FAS is a result from chronic alcohol use during pregnancy.... not a few glasses of wine spread out over a few months

kaytmart · October 2015

I really didn't drink at all before pregnancy, and haven't touched any alcohol since finding out. But, I trust my doctor and if he tells me a small glass of wine is okay, then I'm not gonna feel guilty when DH cooks a really nice dinner and I have grapefruit juice and moscato during the holidays.

smushi · October 2015

oceanchild said:
And oh yes, we totally toast when the baby is born too, but I have no problem doing while he's having his first meal LOL

Try as I might, I could NOT convince DH to smuggle in champagne to the hospital....

cmerribury · October 2015

Thank you for clarifying, @MrsLeanMeanClean...it's really important to distinguish FAS from having a glass or two of wine while pregnant! I was about to say the very same thing.

@oceanchild We broke out the bubbly in the hospital room as I was nursing him for the first time. The lactation consultant came in and for a second I thought I'd be scolded but she just said "Good latch!" and smiled. My kinda consultant!

kitteh81 · October 2015

MrsLeanMeanClean said:
Just in case people don't know... FAS is a result from chronic alcohol use during pregnancy.... not a few glasses of wine spread out over a few months

Yes. Chronic, heavy drinking. One occasional beer or glass of wine does not an FAS baby make.

SarahFoley725 · October 2015

oceanchild said:
And oh yes, we totally toast when the baby is born too, but I have no problem doing while he's having his first meal LOL

85% sure my mom is bringing me a flask to the hospital when she comes to see the baby....

llybeck · October 2015

rachelbuschjones said:

In five years another study will come out (again) that says a glass of wine once every few weeks (or months) is fine.

I've been told by so many other preggies that they eat cold cuts, drink alcohol (in moderation), eat soft cheese, etc. And their kids are fine. GREAT for them & no judgement here...unless, of course, something were to go wrong & then I suppose I couldn't help a little bit of my mother's judgmental smugness. But it would only last a split second & then I would feel terrible for feeling that way & terrible for them for having to live the rest of their lives knowing they caused their children to have life-altering issues.

All I know about FAS is that the kids that have it are really hard to deal with on many levels, not to mention the health problems. If I have to abstain from a delicious bubbly drink to check one issue off of the list of 'what-ifs' then so be it. I'll take a bottle with me to the delivery room & pop it open as soon as the little bugger has gotten its first meal.

I think there are a few misconceptions in your statement. This study is not the end all be all by any means and many doctors are still going to say wine/beer in moderation are okay. This is nothing new.

As far as the cold cuts and soft cheese, the issue is listeria. There have been listeria outbreaks in everything from lettuce to ice cream. You could get it from almost anything. So as long as you are making smarter choices, like making sure dairy is pasteurized and the deli meat/sushi is coming from a reputable place and thoroughly washing everything, you'll be fine. And even doing those things doesn't mean you will never get listeria. So judging someone at all for something like that is pretty silly, honestly anyone could get listeria. The other thing about that is that often if the mother gets listeria, the baby is still fine. There is a chance it could cause issues but that doesn't mean it always will. It's just not something you are ever going to be able to avoid so cutting out a couple foods doesn't make much of a difference when the potential risk is in so, so many different things.

As others have said, FAS is from chronic alcohol abuse, not a few glasses of alcohol throughout pregnancy. You can do whatever you choose and feel comfortable with but it's good to be aware of what the actual dangers. And also understanding why some people choose to still eat/drink those things and learning that there is nothing to judge in regards to it is also important. You have to do what you are comfortable with and as long as someone isn't being blatantly dangerous or stupid, then there is no reason to worry or judge someone.

lexievelyn8179 · October 2015

Yeah, I don't think there's anything wrong with having a glass of wine or a beer once week or so. However, I haven't had a drop of alcohol since finding out. DH practically has a heart attack at even the thought of me taking a single sip.

tripledaggerWed95976 · October 2015

I don't judge anyone's choices with drinking while pregnant... Within reason. If someone was binge drinking I would obviously judge but that's not what we're talking about here. For me personally, I'm not a big drinker anyway AND I'm a huge worrier. So if I did drink it would just cause me so much worry that's it's not even worth it. I don't believe having a glass of wine once a month or whatever will do any harm to a fetus though.

shelbibrooke82 · December 2015

We are country people and beer is always on hand and don't get me wrong...the craving hasn't gone away!! I give in to everything else as far as cheese, sushi, MR steak and cold cuts but when it comes to alcohol I just can't. I would never judge anyone who does because I'm just as bad with the other "no no's"!!

As long as someone isn't over doing it and they drink plenty of water I don't honestly see the hurt!! More power to ya mommies!!

jstanton0822 · December 2015

I love to order something up and then assign someone to drink it for me.

Like when at my parents' house, I'll say, "Yeah, I'll have a beer. Kevin, will you drink my beer?"

I don't know why. It's just become my thing. I assign people to drink for me.

I ordered a Jamaican Cowboy at Texas Roadhouse for my SIL. Just the way I like it!

I ordered a Painkiller at Cheddar's and asked my FIL to drink it for me. LOL

But the other day, I took the tiniest sip of a really cheap white wine and thought my tongue was going to dance its way into the glass!

Overall, I ended up with 3 sips before grandpa took it away from me. LOL

SAVE ME FROM MYSELF!

irenewslee · December 2015

It's all about risk you're willing to take. With my last pregnancy, I didn't touch any alcohol, sushi, salad, cold cuts or steak, and barely any caffeine once I found out. With this baby, my tolerance has gone up a slightly bit where I allow myself to eat steak that's medium to medium well and occasional cold cuts like spanish ham (because who can resist it?) With a 18 mos running around and a full time job, how can I not drink at least a cup of coffee (or two) a day?