Drinking a small amount of alcohol in pregnancy?

[LH1987]

Hi all,

At the risk of starting a massive debate, I wondering what people’s opinion is on alcohol in pregnancy? I’m talking about around a small glass a week. Several of my friends are pregnant and all have different opinions, and there is a bunch of different information available online.

Just for clarity I haven’t drank any alcohol so far in my pregnancy!

Thanks

As far as I know, a small amount wouldn’t hurt, but whilst pregnant I would never touch alcohol.

If something happened, you’d want the reassurance you did everything right.

Also, IMO there’s no reason someone shouldn’t be able to abstain from alcohol for a matter of months...

I had 2 Glasses of Prosecco during my whole pregnancy and a sip of my husbands beer here and there. I'd do it again I didn't feel bad.

I had a very very occasional one at do's. No guilt.

I knew it wasnt recommended to drink alcohol in pregnancy obviously but I saw a notice board in my hospital that drinking alcohol when pregnant is more dangerous than smoking, taking cocaine and heroin, I coulsnt believe it, dont get me wrong that's if you binge drink not have one small glass a week, ultimately it's your choice maybe speak to your midwife see what she says x

I don’t drink much anyway, so pregnancy has been easy in regards to abstaining. I had half a glass of Prosecco at a wedding when I was about 18 weeks but I wouldn’t have minded going without!

The risks are minimal, & drinking 1-2 units slowly means the alcohol does not enter your bloodstream/cross the placenta anyway.

I wouldnt have a small glass per week during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. I will probably have a baileys or mulled wine at christmas time as I will be 7 months by then.

I was pregnant 16 & 19 yrs ago. I went to several weddings with first pregnancy and had a glass of bubbly at each. Think I had the odd one small drink a couple of other times. With second pregnancy I found it easier and had hardly any. I didn’t worry at all as advice was different then plus my DM had drunk Guinness during her 3 pgs as it was ‘full of iron’

drinking 1-2 units slowly means the alcohol does not enter your bloodstream/cross the placenta anyway
Evidence/reference for this?

I had the occasional glass and would do so again.

Only on occasions really. I don’t find it a necessity to drink alcohol now I’m ‘older’ and less fun. Plus there’s plenty of non alcoholic variants of popular drinks. I’ll probably have a small glass of Champagne at Christmas and on New Years. I’d have one if I win the lottery or DP finally proposes too

I wouldn't and didn't touch a drop while pregnant, but I've never been a big drinker anyway. I think it's a bit sad to not be able to abstain 9 months for your baby but each to their own, I just think the justifications are a bit lame.

Any amount of alcohol will harm the foetus in some way.

I recommend googling healthy alternatives to wine that would be beneficial to you.

No justifications. Small amounts with a meal. No harm done.

There is no evidence of harm with small amounts of alcohol e.g. 1-2 small glasses of wine 1-2x weekly after the first trimester - see “Expecting Better” for a good summary of the research.

This is Mumsnet though so you will get lots of replies from people implying you are an alcoholic and a terrible mother if you don’t completely abstain for the full nine months.

My opinion is no. Alcohol is poison and foul. Horrible stuff.

Lol

The jury is still out on how much, if any is safe, however I had a glass of prosecco on my birthday, one gin and tonic when I was on holiday and have had about 1/3 a of a glass of red wine on a couple of occasions.

This has all been since about 18 weeks - I wouldn't have been able to stomach it before then anyhow.

Thanks all for your replies, definitely some food for thought! I will definitely read expecting better, thanks for that tip @Darkstar4855.

yy to reading expecting better. author has read and analysed all the evidence and summarised nicely.

I was under the impression the guideline was now nil is advised...

@advicegiver5 don't be so ridiculous. What about all the women who find out they are pregnant later on in their pregnancies? Where have you found this advise? I'm a qualified substance misuse worker and I have never been told that on any training I have been ok.
One or two units occasionally is absolutely fine.

It says something about the world we live in if someone can't go 9 months without a glass of alcohol 😳

I second that "expecting better" is a great resource to give you the facts so you can make your own informed decision. I thought it was great.

@littleduckeggblue I could have abstained too but I WANTED a small glass of something. Ok?

I was very comfortable having a small glass of white wine now and again during pregnancy. I found the smell of coffee and most alcohols disgusting so didn't have spirits.