alcohol & conception

[Jennycam2000]

Hi

I am worried about conceiving a child and alcohol. I am not an alcoholic but i have few glasses of wine about 5 times a week. I never did this before but I had a terrible prolonged miscarriage back in sept 2014 and I have been distroying myself ever since. i look after my self otherwise, eat well etc... just I drink more than the daily limit. I am now worried that if I fall pregnant that something wrong will be wrong with the egg that is released or with fertilisation. Has anyone else had this concern? i am 39 so i feel my time is not on my side, also after the miscarriage i dont think things have returned to normal as only bleed two maybe three days and during those days very light. i would appeciate if people could share their stories so this might help ease my worries. thank you

Jenny

Hi Jenny, so sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I'm not an expert but I do know that unfortunately miscarriage is more common than people realise, but understandably people don't like to talk about it, which means that when it happens it's easy to think it's unusual and due to something the mum or dad have done or not done. I haven't experienced it myself but several family members and close friends have gone through this and I know that while each one has had a different experience, they have all at least wondered if they are to blame. Please don't destroy yourself over it; it's quite unlikely it was anything to do with your own actions.
It's great that you take care of yourself and there's nothing wrong with enjoying a few drinks in my opinion. However, if you are actively trying to conceive, remember you will increase your chances if you cut back on the alcohol. Paradoxically, you will also increase your chances if you kick back, relax, and don't worry about all the things you should and shouldn't do!! It seems unfair really doesn't it?!
Have you spoken with your GP since the miscarriage, just to check everything is fine?

Hi Jenny,

Sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I agree with L00pski regarding seeing your doctor. I've never had a miscarriage but know lots of people who have. Perhaps your doctor could provide some information about support services/ aftercare(psychological) of miscarriages and about your concerns regarding your periods. I have a diagnosed fertility problem, diagnosed aged 27, and had IVF (now have a beautiful daughter) a few months after diagnosis. In preparation for this both my husband and I were given stern advice regarding cutting back(or completely) of alcohol (amongst other things like smoking and drugs-not that we did these). I suppose because our IVF was funded they wanted us to have the best chance (as did we). I am no expert but Alcohol (from what I read) definitely affects the quality of eggs and sperm so the least amount that you drink the better.
Good luck xxx

Hiya, so sorry about your miscarriage. Just a third vote from me for popping in to see your GP if you haven't already, just to rule out any problems. Stress and worry (even if you don't feel noticeably stressed and worried) can affect your periods. In fact all sorts of things can. I find that when I train hard mine get a bit messed up.
Anyway, I also agree there's nothing wrong with a couple of drinks now and again, but do you think you may be able to give up altogether, just to give yourself the best chance? I thought I'd miss it when I was pregnant, but actually didn't at all and now rarely drink. It's nice and I enjoy it when I do, but I don't miss it when I don't drink for ages and ages! If you do become pregnant it is now advised to give up altogether anyway, so why not try now. In fact, there was some research in the news only this week from Belfast, about alcohol in pregnancy: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/314458.stm

Whatever you decide, best wishes x

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply to my post. I did go to see my GP and they referred me to the hospital for a fertility check. I was waiting on an appointment, they have a three month waiting list but I don't need to go anymore as I have just found out I am pregnant :-) of course that is me off wine for the foreseeable future. so fingers, toes etc... all goes well. I just have to take care of myself and try not worry and think the worse and just hope it all works out.

take care xx
Jenny

Aw congratulations Jenny, that's wonderful news. Enjoy every moment :-)