Drank excessively in first 5 1/2 weeks of pregnancy - V worried

[W4mumtobe]

Ok, so I'm 33, educated (apologies for spelling in advance though!) and have been trying to get pregnant for ages. Classic scenario of didn't think it would ever happen and have been drinking excessively (on and off) for first few weeks of pregnancy (half a bottle - bottle of wine 5 times a week) I did a pregnancy test - negative again - so continued with self destructive behaviour - test positive at 5 weeks +4. First point - I'm not an alcoholic - more example of working woman who enjoys a bit too much wine!! I have stopped drinking completely and of course keeping up regular exercise, eating healthily etc. Not interested in judgement (I'm judging myself enough already and fuelling existing fears with the wonders of google and FAS affected children). I'm more interested in hearing of those who know of actually evidence of children affected both physically and/or mentally in cases of this (or not as the case may be - hopefully). At the moment, the worry is extremely debilitating, my poor DH is being patient and supportive but poor guy will obviously be getting upset at my upset (if that makes sense!).

Any doctors or nurses that work in the profession with insight into actual cases or statistics would be welcomed. I know enough from my research that serious damage/full blown FAS arrises from those who drink excessively throughout pregnancy, its more marginal cases etc as every professional publication indicates week 3 - 8 are VERY IMPORTANT!

Thanks in advance and sorry for replaying an old topic, unfortunately its a new one for me.

p.s. I do know google is bad, but just can't help it!

Oh wow! I know this is an old post! But I came to it via google seeking some advice and stories of experience and possible comfort as the original poster did. I’m currently 5 weeks to the day, just found out and have been enjoying a lot of vino and cigs up until now! Like, a lot. A whole lot. So I’m very worried, and this post was very comforting up until the malarkey started! Ha! Thank you for those who posted meaningful experiences. I spoke to my Dr. and was told it isn’t uncommon for women to overindulge before knowledge of their pregnancy and not to worry, as stress is very bad for the LO. Wine can be my go to “wind down/stress reliever” but for the next 7-8 months, there has to be something else? Any ideas or suggestions? Has anyone else experienced insomnia/insatiable hunger in the middle of the night?

BTW I’m American, and the American comments were priceless! (Not offended in the least, we can be shit heads) but I don’t think some of you certain commenters need an American chat room because clearly you Brit Babes can throw down some talk!! 😂

@KYmom2B, @RBRB365, @Prachi123,
if any of you can see this topic again, please answer. How are your babies? I’m in exact same situation now. Had some drinks daily (due to severe stress) up to 17 days after conception. Around 1-3 drinks per day and couple episodes of binge. We wanted this baby so much, and now I’m crying every day and can’t calm down. I even consider abortion because I’m afraid I damaged my baby already and I am afraid his/her life will be a nightmare because of my terrible mistake. I’m trying to find a peace of mind, but googling makes it only worse…

@KYmom2B do not worry your body is made to protect your baby! I ended up having a very complicated pregnancy for a completely unrelated reason and we made it out just fine! My son is happy, healthy and literally the cutest. He just turned one and I honestly regret spending so much time worrying. Pregnancy and parenthood is a rollercoaster and you will enjoy it so much more when you remember being perfect isn’t a requirement to be a good parent. Give yourself some grace. Sending you and baby love!

Another same age and stage here for some reassurance if still needed💕

Drank so so much the first five weeks as I just didn’t know. Broke up with bf and it was Euros at the time so got absolutely wankered for more than a few of the evenings.

Was also working in London at the time so had a tinny on train back and a G&T when I got home every single work night.

Me and DP got back together a few days before I did the test and he also smoked weed inside before we knew (obv stopped when we did find out) but nothing noteworthy happened.

I remember saying on the midwife visits every time they asked about alcohol consumption that I drank quite heavily/ regularly for the first few weeks but she assured me it was fine.

Have a 5 week old now and he’s absolutely perfect, slightly needy, but perfect 😍 xxx

Oh no just realised this is a super old post!!! Derp!!! xxx

Thank you for your comment anyway. I’m in same situation now and worrying a lot.

I supposedly had secondary infertility. Had temperature charted, used two ovulator predictor kits which showed nothing either, and had an appointment with fertility specialist. He scanned and showed me the egg which "had failed to launch". He told me I had fluked the first baby and with my age and all I needed some help. He sent me off with a prescription for clomid to take for next month. I drowned my sorrows and got stuck into some pate. I found out I was pregnant (and felt vindicated when the specialist got struck off for killing a baby some time later) and I worried tremendously. All I could find on the web at the time were stuff about real problems drinkers who couldn't stop or were being at least urged to cut down. I spent all this time trying to work out when the placenta would be formed and able to transport alcohol. The nurse of the incompetent gynacologist was not nice when I telphoned for advice. The thjing to remember is that you generally get pregnant in the middle of the cycle so 4 weeks pregnant is actually only two weeks pregnant. I know I actually got pregnant around day 24 because I did have a dodgy egg release mechanism (my mother was a twin) and we were waiting till the ovulator predictor kit showed something and finally just gave up on the kit. My baby was fine. He's all grown up and at university.

Hello!

I am in the same situation that you were in in 2011- I think that's when this thread was created. Can you please update how everything went and how your child is? I'm sure things are great! (but I'm worrying how you did!)

Congrats!!!

@W4mumtobe

Hello!

I am in the same situation that you were in in 2011- I think that's when this thread was created. Can you please update how everything went and how your child is? I'm sure things are great! (but I'm worrying how you did!)

and most importantly, congrats!!!

I don't have much to add except that I'm in the same boat. I read 'expecting better' by Emily ostler and would recommend.

@lovetorace morning!

oh bless ya, it was a long time ago. My son is healthy as a horse and bright, chatty, most certainly not impaired (bit lazy and and getting cheekier by the day). Your baby will be absolutely fine, such impairment really is the result of heavy long term drinking and even then that doesn’t mean they will be affected,

This is the best piece of advice you will ever get. STOP researching and above all stop posting on this site as for every gorgeous message of support on such an emotive subject you will read one that sets you back. I think cool for general stuff but reaching out to people who pretend they know or even just don’t will confuse and upset you. There can be some immense judgment and vitriol which you don’t need. Take care of yourself, take your vitamins, drink lots of water and don’t beat yourself up. You’ve got plenty of time for mummy guilt when you can’t breast feed or now when i question what I should let DS watch, listen to, go etc. take care and big cuddles xx