stopping drinking pre pregnancy

[peanutbrain]

hi, i'm new to this site.
i'm 39 and never thought i would ever be in the right relationship to have kids, although i've desperately wanted to since a teenager.
as a result i know i have relied on alcohol way too much for the last 10 years or so.
i'm now in a great relationship with someone and we want to start trying but i find myself petrified that i will not be able to give up drinking.
the last thing i would ever do is put an unborn child in danger by getting pregnant and then drinking to excess and this is stopping me from going ahead atm, despite the fact that the clock is ticking loudly.
i guess i'm just looking for some advice from others who were drinkers and how they dealt with stopping, please?

Hi peanut congratulations on your decision and good luck!

I was exactly the same as you. I love a drink a bit too much especially a red wine and worried how I would ever stop when we made the decision to TTC.

I admit that during TTC I didn't change my drinking habits. I did try to stop during the 2ww but after the disappointment each month I just decided I couldn't put my life on hold every month for a what if. I did do extensive online research into the risks of drinking during those first 2 very early weeks and felt reassured that at that stage the baby isn't getting any nutrition from me as the placenta hasn't formed yet.

However, the minute I got my BFP it was just like a switch. I knew I couldn't drink, I have no desire to drink and I haven't missed it at all (that said we have not got through Xmas yet!).

I think you just do it maybe it's some sort of protection reflex. Obviously there are some women with serious alcohol problems who can't and don't but that doesn't sound like you from your op. You will be fine

Good luck and hope that helps.

thanks so much, eminybob
i was worried i might get people telling me not to be so selfish etc
i don't understand all the acronyms you use tho!

really appreciate your reply x

Sorry TTC - trying to conceive
BFP - big fat positive (pregnancy test)
And you're welcome x

And 2ww - 2 week wait (between ovulation and when period is due)

I don't think I'm a massive drinker, but I most definitely enjoy some weekend drinks & I can never say no to fizz. It definitely crossed my mind as a challenge, esp socially, as a drink always helps me relax.

That said, I've just started ttc for 2 months & so have cut down to almost nothing for good health etc. I've found it so easy. Totally surprised. My choc & sweet drink consumption has unfortunately increased though. A waist increasing side effect of not drinking. :(

I was a regular social drinker before ttc. I haven't stopped but have cut down and down over the time it has taken us. I was pregnant for a few weeks (mc'd) earlier this year and didn't drink at all. I wasn't turned off by the smell or whatever like some people but had a good motivation not to drink and that was enough.

thanks all :)
i think i'm just fretting too much that i'm too old and set in my ways now..funny how the brain tries to put barriers in your way when you actually have the chance to get what you want?!

it's probably a survival thing, if i don't do it and focus on the reasons why i shouldn't, then i can't get hurt when/if it doesn't happen.

grrr! stoopid brain

If you feel you have a drinking problem and are drinking way more than recommended amounts you should definitely get help with it before getting pregnant. It is hard to give up cold turkey when you get pregnant. Also drinking to excess will harm your chances of conceiving. Your doctors surgery may be able to help you and of course there are various support organisations for people who want to give up alcohol.

if you are drinking more reasonable amounts then there is no need to abstain until you are actually pregnant.