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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Drank without realising I was pregnant

14 replies

McleanJ · 10/12/2019 13:31

Hello,

I have been beating myself up since finding out I was pregnant, 4weeks and 2 days after the start of my last period 4th July, due to the binge drinking holiday I was on before finding out I was pregnant.

Looking back we either conceived on the 16th or 18th of July and then went on holiday on the 25th July until the 2nd August. This was a very heavy drinking group holiday for a wedding. I thought there was zero chance I was pregnant and actually believed I came on my period on the 29th July but I now realise this was most likely implantation bleeding. I remember being stood in a pool holding an Espresso Martini discussing trying properly after the holiday.

I have done everything you're not meant to do....google extensively. I am extremely concerned that drinking in this time frame (especially at the very beginning of August) is within the critical period to which cells that distinguish facial development can be affected as well as brain development.

I am struggling to sleep and just beside myself with worry. Has anybody had any excessive binge drinking sessions during this timeframe of pregnancy and can offer any reassuring advice ear?
Or anyone who may have any idea as to the damage I could have done?
I have 4months left and can't continue at the levels of stress I am currently facing as I understand this isn't healthy for the baby or myself.

Just to note that my 12week and 20 week scan were showing perfect growth, although I didn't mention the drinking to the sonographer. My midwife just brushed over my concerned when I told her all this and said something along the lines of 'it must be the time of year' as the lady she had seen before me had the same worries.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Soubriquet · 10/12/2019 13:33

You’ll be fine.

The placenta wasn’t formed yet

CuckooCuckooClock · 10/12/2019 13:37

You have done no damage to your baby by drinking for 1 week in the first 6 weeks of being pregnant.
The placenta has not formed at this point and alcohol does not pass to the baby (even further on, you have to drink pretty heavily throughout the pregnancy to do damage).
Many many women binge drink before finding out they are pregnant and go on to have healthy babies.

rosydreams · 10/12/2019 16:49

i didnt find out i was pregnant with my first 2 weeks after my other halfs birthday.I was very drunk but our daughter is now 8 and fine

Christmastree43 · 10/12/2019 16:57

Hi OP, I am in the same boat as you and beating myself up no end.

I found out last Tuesday that I was pregnant despite having been on the pill for four years! Last Friday we went for a private scan and found out I am 10 weeks Sad

In those ten weeks it was my sister's wedding, best friend's 30th away do, my birthday and a two week holiday where I drank twice.

I am so so worried about behavioural difficulties! Didn't help when MIL said oh I didn't know until six months with my fourth and drank throughout and she's absolutely fine... The kid has serious behavioral difficulties, lots of school involvement and is generally a terror!! MIL now does drink the best part of a bottle of wine every night so I know I was no where near that bad.

As soon as I found out I have been living like a Saint, eating everything I should be, doing lots of light exercise etc.

I am also worried as hadn't been taking pregnancy vitamins/ folic acid til I was 10 weeks Sad midwife said this should be fine and as long as I'm taking them up to and past the 14 week point it should be fine.

Boymummy3 · 10/12/2019 20:03

Don't worry about it. Your scans have been fine. I was heavily drinking the night I found out I was pregnant with my 1st I was around 6 weeks I just brushed it off as was pretty drunk didn't really take it in and carried on drinking that night.. My son is now 9 and as healthy as anything.. I got married when I was early pregnant with my 2nd (didn't know I was pregnant) so of course you can imagin in the run up to the wedding and wedding day I was drinking I was actually wondering why the drinks wasn't really effecting me was just like drinking water. Found out a few days later I was pg. He's a happy healthy 3 year old. End of the day you havnt drank since and they even say the odd glass is absolutely fine anyway.

McleanJ · 10/12/2019 21:04

Thank you; there’s just so much conflicting ‘evidence’ and some places say that these early stages are the most important whilst the cells are laying down.
Then I read weeks 6-9 are the most critical and facial deformities can occur here.
Wish there was a switch to turn off the worry 🙈

OP posts:
ParkheadParadise · 10/12/2019 21:07

I didn't find out I was pregnant until I was 5mths with dd2. I had alcohol every week as I normally would. We went on holiday to Cyprus and I was drinking every day.
Dd2 was born healthy on her due date.

FettuciniAlaFagiola · 10/12/2019 21:17

My dc is 10. I drank heavily, binging like 20 units a day in the first month. I stopped at the first missed period. Dc is has no disabilities, very healthy and top of class. I think issues are if you continue drinking heavily through out pregnancy.

Muchtoomuchtodo · 10/12/2019 21:23

I did.

Had an epic ski holiday when I was pregnant with ds1 at about the same dates as you.

Drank far too much, enjoyed the hot tubs most nights, ate blue cheese, pâté and had a high speed skiing fall.

He is now 14 and an absolute joy.

Enjoy your pregnancy op x

Bobismyfriend · 10/12/2019 21:40

I found out I was pregnant in January. I had been out A LOT over the Christmas and new year.
My son is now 18. He is perfect. Don't beat yourself up.

lightlypoached · 10/12/2019 21:53

I was drunk when I found out I was pregnant with DS. He's standing next to me 6 feet tall cooking his own pasta (second) dinner.

I'm sure it will all be fine Smile

Congratulations

Pumpkinsarepurple · 10/12/2019 22:00

Don't be too hard on yourself, I was in Amsterdam for a very, very good NYE celebration and found out when I came home that I was pregnant.

That baby just had 7 As in her GCSEs last summer so all turned out well.

From this point on take good care of yourself and try not to worry too much.

CAG12 · 10/12/2019 22:01

I got shitfaced at a wedding and found out the next day I was pregnant. Im 26 weeks now and everything seems to be going well

Sunrisesun · 14/04/2022 09:43

How is your baby now? Is everything okay? I’m in exact same situation now, exact same time frame. And I am worrying a lot too.

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