Wine whilst pregnant?

[radiomumma]

Hi, long time member but I have name changed because many people (myself included I suppose) see this as a taboo subject.
I am in the beginning of my second trimester with my second child.
I wouldn't consider myself a big drinker but I do appreciate a nice glass of wine on a lovely sunny afternoon!
I have read loads about not drinking in the first trimester as this can be a damaging time for babies development. So far I haven't touched a drop (and didn't in my first pregnancy if that matters)
This afternoon I am really craving a nice cold glass of white wine. I have researched and researched about light drinking in pregnancy but honestly find the results to be 50.50.
I am aware that the official advice is to abstain completely but it is that really necessary? I've seen a lot online about this being a heavy handed approach due to the general lack of trust in pregnant women to do the 'right' thing (but that's another thread altogether!)
Of course I have read about the devastating affects of Fetal Alcohol syndrome but on the flip side of the coin is that many women have enjoyed the odd glass of wine and their babies have been absolutely fine.
So, my question is AIBU to enjoy a glass of wine whilst pregnant? TIA x

Personally, no. If something went wrong I’d need to know I’d tried to do everything I could to keep the baby safe.

A glass here and there is fine. I had no desire to drink in my first pregnancy because it was one of the things that made me sick as a dog. I craved beer in my second; had the occasional one but generally just drank alcohol free instead as it was the taste and gassiness I was after rather than the alcohol content. I had wine every so often throughout the third- in fact, as he was unplanned and I didn't even know I was pregnant with him for a while, in the early months I got pissed drunk a couple of times. Of all my dc, the only one with actual issues is the one whose pregnancy was an entirely alcohol free one!

Do what you feel comfortable with. Everyone has an opinion, but the choice is yours.

@GreytExpectations

Also *@AHF1975* the placenta isn't fully formed that early in pregnancy, it's pretty much all over plenty of medical websites that it doesn't fully form until later in 1st trimester so not sure why you are claiming what I said is wrong.

I work in this field. It's a myth that alcohol does not reach the baby until the placenta is functional, it can still diffuse into the yolk sac as I said earlier. That's why national guidelines say to avoid alcohol if trying to conceive- it's to prevent these early exposures. Alcohol can reach the fetus at any time and there is no time in pregnancy that poses a higher or lower risk. Early exposures while the baby is forming have the potential to cause structural birth defects (depending on level and frequency of alcohol exposure) while exposure at any time can affect the brain.

Basically, no medical professional should be telling women that drinking in early pregnancy is somehow 'safer'.

I work in this field. It's a myth that alcohol does not reach the baby until the placenta is functional, it can still diffuse into the yolk sac as I said earlier. That's why national guidelines say to avoid alcohol if trying to conceive- it's to prevent these early exposures. Alcohol can reach the fetus at any time and there is no time in pregnancy that poses a higher or lower risk. Early exposures while the baby is forming have the potential to cause structural birth defects (depending on level and frequency of alcohol exposure) while exposure at any time can affect the brain.

Yes and I'm agreeing with you. Of course alcohol can reach the featus early on but not via the placenta, I never once said it doesn't reach the baby I said it was less risk. And again, I agree its not safe but there is a huge difference between accidentally drinking when you didn't know you were pregnant and continuing to drink once you know.

@AHF1975

Basically, no medical professional should be telling women that drinking in early pregnancy is somehow 'safer'.

Again not what I said. Please stop misreading my words. I suggested that medical professionals often aren't too concerned by drinking before finding out about a pregnancy, because it happens quite often and is by mistake.

@GreytExpectations this is off point now as the OP isn't in her first trimester. However, should women in future be searching for accurate information, I was simply pointing out that your assertion.... 'The reason they say it's low risk to drink before knowing you are pregnant is because the placenta isn't formed yet therefore is a much less risk than in your 2nd and 3rd trimester' .... is absolutely not correct. Not sure why you think I'm twisting your words? This is a common myth that is actually often cited, some women even report that their midwives have told them this. It is misinformation.

[quote AHF1975]@GreytExpectations this is off point now as the OP isn't in her first trimester. However, should women in future be searching for accurate information, I was simply pointing out that your assertion.... 'The reason they say it's low risk to drink before knowing you are pregnant is because the placenta isn't formed yet therefore is a much less risk than in your 2nd and 3rd trimester' .... is absolutely not correct. Not sure why you think I'm twisting your words? This is a common myth that is actually often cited, some women even report that their midwives have told them this. It is misinformation.[/quote]
How is it misinformation? I'd much rather believe a midwife than a random stranger on the Internet who claims to be an "expert"
The placenta is not fully formed in the very early days, it is still forming in week 8. Its also not wrong that accidentally drinking in early pregnancy, prior to finding out you are pregnant is less risk than purposely drinking at end of first trimester and 2nd and 3rd, when you know you are pregnant. You are twisting my words because you have accused me of saying there is no risk when I have said there is less risk. Please don't bother responding to me because you clearly won't understand what I'm saying and I'm tired of going around in circles with you.

@GreytExpectations sadly, you don't get to dictate whether people do or don't reply to your points to them. For the final time- you are very wrong. Drinking in early pregnancy is absolutely 100% not any less risky than drinking in later pregnancy. In fact, its effects can be worse because it can cause structural birth defects as well as brain damage. The chance of this occurring depends largely on (1) the amount of alcohol consumed and (2) the frequency of alcohol consumed. It has absolutely squat to do with the placenta, that is a red herring as the alcohol can reach the baby anyway. Most people who drink before they realise they are pregnant stop once they know, hence no ill effects. It has zero to do with the timing of the exposure. Zero. Over and out.

I did not drink one drop whist pregnant or from when we started trying for a baby. Why risk it for the sake of a drink of alcohol? I foster a child with learning difficulty his Mum drank whilst pregnant and took drugs too. The child pays the price for the rest of their life.

I absolutely love page and soft blue cheese and found it harder to give up those than a glass of wine but I gave up all to give my babies the best chance in life I could.

I gave up pate and blue cheese fully but not wine

Vitamin a content in pate is a big risk

If you would not put a glass of wine into your babies bottle, then I would not drink a glass whilst your child is still in utero and therefore more vulnerable.

If I were you, I would not read up on pregnancy and drinking, but on FAS and FASD.

To all the posters focusing on the first trimester: the baby's brain keeps developing throughout the pregnancy. mom.com/pregnancy/12467-pregnancy-brain-and-child-development-third-trimester/

Yolande7

If you would not put a glass of wine into your babies bottle, then I would not drink a glass whilst your child is still in utero and therefore more vulnerable.

Errr really not the same thing at all... very dramatic and stupid statement

I had a glass here and there (Weddings/special occasions) during all 4 of my pregnancies. But I only drank champagne or a very watered down white wine spritzer...

It's fine. A glass every now and then...

Just wondering why it’s a problem to just not drink alcohol for 8 months. Surely it’s not that hard?

I was more upset at not being able to eat soft cheeses and Parma ham (but then I am a greedy person).

I haven't had any issues avoiding any of the cheese and ham stuff but did miss my weekend wine in the garden in the sun, depends what brings you most joy!

Exactly. Its not that hard to understand @itsaratrap

Today 10:14 Horehound

Exactly. Its not that hard to understand @itsaratrap

Presumably, people who find not eating cheese, pate and Parma ham resist though? I did because what brought me “most joy” was the prospect of a healthy baby.

So, just don't drink alcohol for 8 months. That’s not too hard to understand either, is it?

Seriously, if being teetotal for a few months is a problem, then you have a more serious problem.

Oh the righteousness of MN 🤮

When did not drinking alcohol because you wanted to give your baby the best start become righteous?

It’s the way you’re saying it. You’re coming across as ridiculously condescending and righteous

Personally I wouldn’t have more than a couple of drinks over the course of a pregnancy (usually a sip or two of champagne at a wedding or at Christmas) and I wouldn’t get into the habit of drinking regularly even if it was only a small glass a week. I have had multiple miscarriages though, so my appetite for taking any risk is low.

Aside from Pate with it’s Vit A content, I am not overly restrictive about food though, as the risks of any ill effects really are low.

Does it really matter how I’m coming across?
The idea that I’m righteous to anyone who knows me is hilarious and I’m laughing into my g&t. Not sure about condescending, might be, don’t really care, tbh.

Do you think it’s ok to drink alcohol while you’re pregnant or not, is the question. If you do, fine, take your chances. I think you’re wrong, that’s all. Unnecessary risk.