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Original poster

Early pregnancy - what excuses did you use for not drinking?

53 replies

ShirleyPhallus · 19/07/2019 08:28

I’ve found out I’m pregnant which is lovely but a little unexpected (we thought it would take ages and conceived on the first go....!) and as such have loads of social commitments over the next few months

What excuses did you use for not drinking?

OP posts:
Greyworm · 19/07/2019 08:29

I think driving is the easiest one. Or say you have to be up really early for a family event the next day?

isabellerossignol · 19/07/2019 08:32

No excuses were needed, I just declined the offer of drinks and said I didn't want one this time. If they poured it anyway I just didn't drink it.

thecatsthecats · 19/07/2019 08:35

Driving works - if it's convincing that you'd have driven to the event in the first place. I'm the only driver in my household, so even though I'm not TTC, I am always saying it and getting wry looks.

I'm honestly never convinced by non-drinkers though. Only the one who didn't drink but did have a fag fooled me.

Fake drinking is very easy though. My bridesmaid was almost 3 months gone at my wedding, and had her husband supply her with non alcoholic top ups all night. I had no clue.

Can you just get your own drinks in, and get a coke or mocktail?

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HeadsDownThumbsUpEveryone · 19/07/2019 08:36

Any excuse will likely lead to at least some people assuming you might be pregnant. The best way to avoid detection is to be seen with a drink in your hand which you can then leave inconspicuously on a table whilst mingling. If people see you with a drink they will just assume you are drinking.

EatingBreadAndHoney · 19/07/2019 08:36

Say you'll have a soft drink first as you're really thirsty. Or drive there and back. No one will turn a hair, it's perfectly normal to not drink alcoholic drinks.

Don't use the "on antibiotics" get out as no one ever believes that.

RandomNameChange415 · 19/07/2019 08:42

Driving works where appropriate. Otherwise don’t make a thing of it or overexposing. If you have DH with you to cover then it’s easier to don drinks off onto him.

RandomNameChange415 · 19/07/2019 08:43

Overexposing = over-explain

Elliesmommy · 19/07/2019 08:46

Heineken zero or zero alcohol wine. Dont make excuses. The old kidney infection one is so onvious

dreaming174 · 19/07/2019 08:50

It was christmas time, so I said I was hungover from previous night.

ainslieb · 19/07/2019 08:50

Dieting

Minai · 19/07/2019 08:53

I found excuses were always more obvious. I’d either get my own drink at the bar and say it was a g&t when it was just tonic water or just accept a drink and just hold it for a bit. I managed to get through my brothers wedding at 4 weeks pregnant and no one noticed.

Original poster
ShirleyPhallus · 19/07/2019 08:53

Some great suggestions, thank you!

I live in central London so rarely drive to nights out. I honestly may have to postpone some stuff I think (am also exhausted and the thought of being out is not the one!)

OP posts:
StillMedusa · 19/07/2019 08:57

You're on Metonidazole for a dental infection... that's the one you cannot drink even a single drop of alcohol with (or you vomit).
I used that excuse a couple of times!!

xtinak · 19/07/2019 08:59

I said I had a uti and was on antibiotics. Or I pretended to drink. Good luck!

Callmecordelia · 19/07/2019 09:03

Driving or antibiotics worked for me.

ELM8 · 19/07/2019 09:05

I found pretending to drink was so much easier than making excuses for not. You only need to be really careful the first hour or so then people stop noticing the drunker they get Smile

LauraT2011 · 19/07/2019 09:08

I’m in exactly the same boat. We thought it would take a while to get pregnant yet here I am on the first try. I’m hosting a bbq tomorrow for my 30th birthday and none of my friends/family are going to believe I don’t want to drink plus it’s at my house so I can’t use driving! We’re going to get some non alcoholic beers/wine for me x

edgeofheaven · 19/07/2019 09:09

If you mention antibiotics you might as well say you're pregnant, it's so obvious.

I've either pretended tonic water was a G&T, or if pressed said I'm on a diet so reducing alcohol.

stucknoue · 19/07/2019 09:11

Driving or just buy your own drinks - you can't tell if the gin is in the tonic!

SallyWD · 19/07/2019 09:12

I had a recurrent tooth abscess and kept needing antibiotics!

isabellerossignol · 19/07/2019 09:12

Sorry, my first reply sounded snotty and I didn't mean it to. What I really meant was don't try to make excuses. Because making excuses draws more attention than just saying 'no thanks' and leaving it at that.

CollaterlyS1sters · 19/07/2019 09:13

No one else is interested. No need to make up any lies.

Rufusthebewilderedreindeer · 19/07/2019 09:14

Ive always had recurring bouts of cystitis which ive needed antibiotics for

So that always worked for me

Plus i only really started drinking once i had all three children and was driven to it Grin

(Thats a joke....but I certainly drink more than i did then!)

Redcrayons · 19/07/2019 09:15

Nobody believes the anotbiotics excuse.

Driving, up early for work the following day, or if it's a sit down meal pretending I'm really thirsty and having a lemonade 'to start' and keep topping the glass up with water whilst nursing a glass of wine. If it's a party accept a glass and leave it somewhere.

edgeofheaven · 19/07/2019 09:17

Ive always had recurring bouts of cystitis which ive needed antibiotics for So that always worked for me

Your family and friends know about your recurring cystitis?!