14 weeks and been drinking regularly, binged a few times

[Anonymous2024]

Hi,

I feel really stupid and hate myself for what I've done, so please don't judge me.

I have been drinking pretty heavily for a year or so (some really horrible, traumatic things happened and I was self-medicating)...

I slowed my drinking down quite a bit as soon as I went back to college in August, but still drank a bit regularly (5-6 drinks per week - maybe less - between August and September).

I binged twice in the last couple weeks (a couple of get togethers with friends and such), including last week, and now I just found out I'm 14 weeks pregnant. I have a pretty good diet and have always taken prenatal pills (I was told they're much better than normal ones).

But I am really hoping I haven't caused permanent damage and that my baby is okay. Anyone else have any experience? Any advice? I'm worried sick!

Hi @Anonymous2024 congratulations on your pregnancy.

Please speak to your midwife for reassurance.

Are you able to stop now? If not ask for an urgent referral to your local drug and alcohol service. They were very helpful to a friend of mine who couldn’t stop.

Best wishes

Yes, I have stopped. I don't have a problem. It was just a phase. I have spoken to my midwife and she says we never know until the baby is born, which is why I'm here looking for comfort from people who have experience.

speak to your midwife about this and if you haven’t already, get a scan asap as most women would have a scan between 12-14 weeks.

It’s most likely fine if you stop now. If you have difficulty stopping, speak to your midwife about this who will refer you to someone who can help.

I found out about my pregnancy sooner, but I drank and binged for the first 5 weeks before finding out I was pregnant. My DS is now 19 mo and a very healthy, bright toddler.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and wishing you and the baby all the best.

Thank you! As I said in a previous post, I don't have a drinking problem so much as I was going through a rough patch and self-medicating.

Also as previously stated, I have spoken about this with my midwife and I have a 20 week Level 2 scan planned.

In the meantime, I'm hoping to get some reassurance or just the experience of others so I have as much feedback as possible.

I had a “surprise “ pregnancy at 45. We ran a pub so I had a drink
most nights until I found out at about 17 weeks . My son is now a strapping 21 year old. I felt really guilty but all was ok .

I stopped drinking as soon as I found out about each pregnancy but there were probably 6 weeks in each one where I drank when pregnant - pretty moderately I think but possibly a couple of nights when I had 4 or 5. They are now late 20s/early 30s and absolutely fine. Honestly, don’t beat yourself up, just enjoy the journey now you know you’re on it - it’s wonderful!