Wine and pregnancy

[Dolly415]

I know its a huge issue for some, I'm not particularly a drinker, but lately been craving sparkling bubbly. Ive been given a 4% sparkling rose, should I totally avoid or is it relatively safe? Everyone I speak to says its fine as its low, and many people I know drink fee and far between stronger wines and their babies were fine. Im about 13/14 weeks and very tempted to have a glass in the Sun with friends but wont if its a defo no no, and there are many mixed reviews on the topic online.

Thank you in advance

I find it sad that alcohol is so ingrained in our culture that this is even a question! I'm guilty of the same feelings though especially when it's so sunny. Basically anything you eat and drink will affect the baby ten times more than you. No a sip won't hurt but I'd be concerned about a whole glass. Of course you will never know for sure, but would it play on your mind continuously if there is an issue?

I'd just stick out the 40 weeks tbh!

It’s up to you. It’s your body and baby. You know the right risk level for you.

It’s safer to have none so I’d try and stick it out. I know your pin though, I’m 17 weeks and a massive wine lover...time is going backwards

I drank throughout my pregnancy. Way less than normal and weaker drinks than usual, but I did and never had any problems. And I will drink in any future pregnancies.
My mum drank as usual (and smoked as usual) through all 3 of her pregnancies and also never had any problems.
I also know other people who have.

Yeah i think i may get to paranoid if i have a glass, no one else around me is pregnant and the Sun has brought out everyones inner alcoholic and normally I'm not bothered about alcohol even before pregnant, but the smell of wine (I once hated) Im loving! And the Sun just makes me wanna drink with them. But I know if anything happened with the pregnancy that id blame myself for having some :/ xxx

happymummy12345
Really and you had no complications? Its only 4% sparkling wine from Aildi I think xxx

There isn’t any evidence that a few units a couple of times a week is harmful after the first 3 months.
There is lots of evidence that people (including but not limited to pregnant women) are crap at knowing what 1-2 units is, or sticking to it - which is why they changed the guidelines from the above to zero alcohol through pregnancy.
It’s up to you entirely. Expecting Better is a great book which explains the evidence base in a really accessible way about this and loads of other pregnancy / birth related things.

The points should be on the bottle. I don’t think one glass of low alcohol would hurt. But can you stick to just one?

@happymummy’s child might just not have the signs of Fetal Alcohol syndrome yet. It can show up later in a child’s development (in terms of social problems etc) if alcohol build up is after the face has already developed. Alternatively she might be one of the lucky ones who has a great metabolism. Regardless you shouldn’t use someone else’s decision to justify it for you — you and your baby could react totally differently.

The scary thing is some women don’t even need to drink that much to get it. This is why the advice to drink (or not) is mixed. The odd drink might not do any harm for some women but might do for others.

www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/fertility-and-pregnancy/foetal-alcohol-syndrome-fas/

I have a glass of wine a week or so. I've researched and I'm happy that the risk is so minimal as to be pretty much non-existent. Today is a lovely day for a glass of wine in the sunshine - I wish I had bought some on my way home from work! The only reason that they say there's no safe level is because nobody gives a load of pregnant women lots of booze to see what happens; it would hardly be ethical. There is no evidence that a glass here and there does any harm whatsoever. Do whatever makes you feel most comfortable!

I bought a lovely non alcoholic Prosecco from Marc’s & sparks the other day! It was lush! Why not have a small glass of your bottle and then go on to non alco. Most shops now do a good range! Apparently Asda is doing alcho free gin!! Deffo going to try this out! I’ve had a few white win spritzers - all on separate occasions and only had 1 at each time xx

I drank a glass of wine a week through pregnancies have completely lovely, healthy, normal children. And that wasn't low alcohol but was 1 unit or less. So I would say it's completely fine. I know they've changed the guidance since I was last pregnant but it's because people don't moderate as a PP says.

I don't think it's worth the risk.

Yeh its fine op. Some people really are scare mongerers but if you actually look at the data, a glass of wine once a week is fine.

Ok thank you everyone for your input its very much apprieciated :) think I will have a glass and enjoy the Sun! :)

As above, fetal alcohol syndrome can just show itself as behaviour issues/ autistic traits. Not worth the risk!

Costco sell alcohol free fizz called bees knees its lovely.

For me it's not worth the risk. I'd stick to the non alcoholic options as they taste exactly the same!

Somebody giving you a bottle of wine while your pregnant is just cruel op!
I managed without but don't think the one small glass will do any harm, I probably wouldn't do as frequently as once a week, although I know others have on this thread with no issues.
It's your choice op, but i wouldn't have really been comfortable doing so.
Good luck with your pregnancy.

Hi. I understand your frustration. One glass once in a while probably won't do any harm, but is it worth it? Personally I would have a massive guilt trip and be left with a "what if" in my mind for a long time after even a glass. Not worth the very short-lasting teat, especially if you can replace it with something equally nice like Appletizer (if it's not the alcohol you're actually craving, of course..).
I was a bit of an alkie before I got pregnant, and stopped pretty radically as soon as I missed my period and did the test. I though cutting out alcohol would be so much more worse than it actually was. But of course that's personal. I always keep stock of a few cold Beck 0% in the fridge, as well as Appletizer and ice. Good luck whatever you decide to do. x

treat not teat, thought not though, and worse not more worse ...

Have a glass of wine. And enjoy it, you deserve it!
Ignore the snowflakes who think you'll give your baby FAS after one small glass of rosé.
1-2 units 1-2 times a week id the guidelines. I have a glass of ice cold Sauvignon blanc once a week if I fancy it (29 weeks pregnant) and also did with my 2 other (perfectly healthy and well adjusted) children.

Oh for goodness sake - you can't give a baby FAS from one glass of wine. There really is no risk. Just enjoy it.

Read Expecting Better - the author looks at all the data worldwide on alcohol and pregnancy and it's really fascinating. In Europe, where they don't have the UK/US binge drinking culture, having a glass of wine with pregnancy isn't blinked at.

I'm 33 weeks and have had a glass of wine here or there throughout - sometimes not for weeks, sometimes two or three a week. Usually champagne, as it's already 125ml and feels an extra treat, but also small glasses of white, low alcohol cider and beer. I'm actually more concerned of the sugar content than the alcohol.

Don't go out and get smashed, but also allow yourself to live. If a glass of rose will help you relax, go for it!

You could also try things like seedlip, which are zero alcohol spirits. Low alcohol wine is, in my opinion, sadly just nothing like the real thing.

But 4% is same as a premium lager it's low for wine but no exactly low - Sainsbury's do a nice alcohol free sparkling wine I'd opt for that instead!