To ask if you drank alcohol during pregnancy

[Butterflyflower1234]

I'm curious as to people thoughts on alcohol during pregnancy?

I was always of the opinion that I wouldn't touch a single drop of alcohol during pregnancy but now I'm wondering would it be significantly harmful to have say one small glass of wine with dinner every so often (less than once a fortnight).

Which is an absolutely fine attitude to take right up to the point when you pretend it doesn't apply to actually known, avoidable risks. Like optional car journeys. If you think why risk it with the occasional glass of alcohol when in fact we don't know that's a risk at all, and you make posts advocating that others should do the same, you need to also apply that same standard to things we know for certain are risks. Like avoidable car journeys.

MarchDaffs I dont need to do anything. I didnt and wouldnt drink in pregnancy. I did drive. up to me what I feel comfortable with. again, the OP asked a question - I answered it. I really do get the point you're trying to make but I'm not gonna suddenly change my mind and think if I'm ever pregnant again I'll have a glass of wine. how many more times do you want me to say people can do what they want? nd take the risks they feel comfortable with? I'm so confused what you actually want me to say

I posted on this recently. Personally I do drink a bit during pregnancy.

I was actually quite surprised to see a bit more of a balanced debate on this thread than on some others, including one I started recently.

To some of the posters who say they don't take ANY risks with alcohol during pregnancy I would ask:

• do you take additional choline on top of your prenatal supplement? This nutrient is essential during pregnancy but very few people get enough. Particularly those of you who are avoiding eggs, despite the fact that NHS guidance on this has changed. Prenatal supplements contain a token amount at best, because it is so heavy so not ideal for putting into combined pressed pills.

• have you had a blood test to ensure that you can process synthetic folic acid? A significant percentage of northern european caucasian people can't, this would lead to a much higher risk of spina bifida and other birth defects in your unborn child. This test is not standard on the NHS.

• do you wear nail varnish?

• do you use plastic tupperware? Do you heat up food in plastic containers in the microwave?

• do you use fabric softener?

• harsh cleaning products?

I am not trying to judge anybody but just to highlight that unless you have done the most unbelievable amount of research and a complete lifestyle overhaul, then there are going to be things that you are likely doing or not doing that could impact your baby negatively. I am sure that a number of things that I am doing carry risks, but I have done as much research as I can and have made educated decisions that are right for me on each point, including a low level of alcohol.

isitreallyjustmyfriends again that is entirely your choice and what you feel comfortable with. I don't personally feel comfortable drinking alcohol and many others dont either. some do, that is entirely your choice. for me, I think its more to do with in the slight possibility something had happened even if I knew deep down it wasnt to do with alcohol, I would forever of blamed myself. and that in itself is what has and will always put me off