Drinking before I knew I was pregnant

[needsomeadvice28]

I can't believe it. I've done three pregnancy tests and all were negative. Been away for the weekend and probably drank a bottle and half of wine over two days, plus half a bottle of wine the weekend before. Just done a test and it's positive.

I'm terrified I've done damage to the baby. I feel physically sick (not pregnancy related) that I may have caused the baby some harm. Anecdotal and evidence based experience either way would be helpful to help me make an inform decision. It's still really early on so I can't be more than 4 weeks (period due now, not late).

I would try not to worry too much. I got unexpectedly pregnant at 17 and went to a festival before I found out and drank HEAVILY and all was ok. Of course it's not ideal but try not to put to much guilt on yourself xx

Oh and congratulations !!

I found out I was pregnant in January and was so worried that I had drunk heavily on New Year's Eve. The midwife was very reassuring and said that if nobody got drunk she'd be out of a job! It's pretty common and was all fine. Congratulations!

I really really wouldnt worry, think about the amount of people who also do exactly the same not realising that they are pregnant. I for one have had 2 unplanned pregnancies, with my first i know for sure i drank several times after i must have concieved as i was away on holiday with friends and we drank everynight for 4/5 days, not just one glass of wine but until i was fairly drunk. I also would have had a drink at weekends with my current pregnancy before i had a positive test.
I know its easy to worry over things like this especially in early pregnancy and i dont have any evidence based statistics for you but my 11 year old is absolutely fine and my pregnancy so far has been completely normal. Relax and enjoy your pregnancy :)

Thank you. I just feel really silly. The negative tests gave me the confidence to have drink and not think anything of it. It's hard to let go and get excited as I'm really concerned I've done damage.

Don't panic! I didn't test until I was over 5 weeks (had totally lost track of my cycle) and I basically spent the week leading up to the positive test in a pre-Christmas boozy haze. It will be absolutely fine, it's far too early to matter at this stage. Congratulations!

OP so many of us have done this. I was at one of those all day boozy barbecues, pleasantly sozzled on Pimms and G&T, when it struck me my period was late. Yup it was DC2. He's now 3 and a little tank 😀

I was so very drunk at a wedding with a free bar (think jäger bombs) before I found out I was pregnant. DS is fine! The placenta isn’t even attached at this stage. Lots of us have been there! Relax and enjoy your pregnancy.

I’m another one who has done this. Was on a trip where we were drinking every night before I realised I was pregnant. My DS is absolutely fine and just about to head off to uni after the summer. It has had no effect on him. Congratulations!

It's fine. Don't give it another thought.

MW told me not to worry about any drinking before about 5 weeks pg. I conceived just before Christmas and spent all of Christmas and New Year drinking well over a bottle of wine a day. I found out early Jan at just over 4 weeks and stopped immediately.

When you go for booking in your MW will, I guarantee you, tell you the same thing. Congratulations!

You're all doing an amazing job at reassuring me 😊

I just would love to get excited but I'm feeling so cautious. The evidence-based research seems to give mixed advice. I'm also in shock; it hasn't sunk in. Need to process it!

You're all so nice I could cry (must be the hormones!)

@needsomeadvice28
The amount you drank is tiny. Really.

Obviously stop now, take the vitamins and try and be healthy. Trust me you will start stressing about miscarriage risk, symptoms, scans and everything else soon enough. You won't have room in your head for this.
I'm 16+4 and it just gets worse! But it is all entirely out of your hands.

Congratulations! And don't worry. I did this with DS2. Had coil out, thought there was no way I could be pregnant already (like, must have caught within days!) and carried on drinking merrily. 5 weeks later BFP. He's absolutely fine xx

Thank you! Although now I'm a bit confused. I'm either pregnant and it's a few days earlier than I thought or I'm not. See pictures for details.

That's a very early result on the pink dye one. Give it a few days and try again with a digital as they are much less sensitive.

The clear blue digital are not very sensitive at all compared to the FRER. I’d test with the FRER again on Friday-it should be a stronger line. I think the digital tests are a waste of money.

Thank you. I'll give it a few days and re-test. Wish I hadn't spent £12 on a digi! Maybe the hormone levels are too low, who knows!

I'm definitely pregnant- a cheap test confirmed a light positive. Thank you all for taking the time to comment. It has put my mind to rest partially but I'm still really concerned I've done irreparable damage 😢

Please don't be concerned. A lot of people will drink before they realise they are pregnant. I had a good few glasses of champagne before I got a positive result. FAS is mostly associated with long term binge drinking. Mention it to your midwife and they will put your mind at rest I guarantee.

I've now told DH and now I've had all of your comments and his reassurances I'm actually pretty excited and may have cried with relief!!

Your baby will be fine. Congratulations

Just a note as you mention evidence-based information the book 'Expecting Better' will probably be right up your street! Congratulations

Congratulations!

I went on an all inclusive holiday and drank everyday whilst I was there, not realising I was pregnant. My baby is now 10 weeks old and absolutely fine

I've done this. I found out I was pregnant on Dec 20th and had drunk copious amounts on 3 seperate Xmas parties. Baby was fine she's almost 14 years old now!