Serious relapse 10 and 12 weeks pregnant

[ArmyMomof3]

Hello. I've read numerous threads on alcohol use during pregnancy however none of them seem to relate directly to me or be specific enough to ease my worries. I'm an alcoholic who just found out I'm 14 weeks pregnant. I'm highly involved in my recovery however I had two major relapses during my 10th and 12th week of pregnancy. These relapses lasted approximately 4 days each and included non stop alcohol use of wine and beer. My alcohol intake was anywhere from 2 bottles of wine to 2 six packs of 9% beer a day for 4 days each relapse. I am terrified and haven't talked to my dr about this issue. I've completely stopped drinking however I am concerned about the amount of alcohol I consumed over the time period given. I have a very high tolerance and as an alcoholic experiencing a relapse this was not pretty as it never is. Has anyone else known of or experienced this kind of alcohol use during their first trimester and any outcomes? I'm going to talk to my dr about it at my 20 week scan because I believe its important to let them know. I'm just looking for any feedback from others regarding this issue. Thank you.

There are specific windows of devely where alcohol use has bad effects. And depending on which developmental window is affected will cause different effects.
I am not an expert so cannot tell you whether your relapses hit a one of these vulnerable periods but hopefully your doctor will be able to inform you.
I am really sorry but I highly doubt that anyone will be able to give you the reassurance you want.
What is done is done however, you didn't know you were pregnant, and all you can do is your best with the knowledge you now have from now on.
I wish you and your child all the best

Congratulations on your pregnancy and on being in recovery - 2 life changing events at once.

From my limited knowledge it will be impossible to know what, if any damage has been done as a result of your relapses. Foetal alcohol syndrome doesn’t seem to have a direct correlation between how much/often you drink and the effects on the baby.

Please speak to your midwife about this and also to whoever is supporting you through your recovery so that you can get support.

I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy.

I'm interested in this too. When I was pg I drank a lot at 5, 8 and 12 weeks. I've been sober now for years but my son has SN and I secretly fear I caused it.

I'm sorry I don't know but I'm a fellow alcoholic.
I know how hard it is but you really are a strong person. I hope everything turns out well for you.

@ArmyMomof3 I'm not an expert but I did do a 6 week project on foetal alcohol syndrome which obviously consisted of a lot of research. Not to scare you but the worst time to 'binge drink' is in the first trimester, this is when your babies brain is developing so drinking heavily can effect that, BUT the research I did always said consistent alcohol levels so I'm not sure whether 4 days would effect your baby. You need to tell your midwife ASAP, she isn't going to judge you but she will give you the support that you need. My sister is a drug addict and drinks excessively, her daughter doesn't seem effected by the alcohol but her son has a very small head and his brain growth is slow, signs of FAS and we are currently waiting for a brain scan.... unfortunately no one can know until the baby is born and they monitor percentiles but a baby with severe FAS has different facial features a quick google will bring this up but again 4 days won't cause that x

So, I'm now 28 wks pg and have been sober since I posted. Alcoholism is huge in my life and I've had to come to terms that itll be a lifelong battle. I'll post again once my baby is born.

You are so courageous to admit you are an alcoholic and be dealing with it. It sounds like you were doing well with your recovery and have ever since. My emotions were out of control in early pregnancy, so be kind to yourself about your relapse. I hope you have talked about this to someone in RL and have good support. Keep us posted

@ArmyMomof3 well I think you are doing amazing ! Fingers crossed everything will be fine happy healthy baby! And happy healthy mum for the future xx

Good luck. Keep going. Change is so so hard. You are tough to make such a tough change. X

Well done on being sober.Looking forward to you news.If you've told your DR's and midwife then you should already have some idea and be being monitored.
Keep strong.