Anyone had alcohol while pregnant?

[LayingLow]

I no some people have a glass of wine etc when pregnant. What's people's views on a 4% alcoholic drink?

@Gennia

I didn’t believe what *@Kiyentai* (sorry to doubt you) wrote about alcohol remaining within the amniotic fluid, but it does seem to indeed be a route of reabsorption by the fetus.

This paper has more information about alcohol intake during pregnancy (figure 5 highlights the amniotic fluid and alcohol persistence). Quite interesting read:

www.nature.com/articles/jp201257.pdf

Saying all that I’ve had two small glasses of wine (total) during this pregnancy so far (19 weeks). Probably will have more but going to try not to.

The classes I took were specific to fetal alcohol syndrome and they were highly educated on how alcohol affects the baby. Maybe a glass or two may not hurt the baby, I can understand that, but if you broaden your perspective. As pregnant women, we are (or at least I am) told to drink 100-120 ounces of a water a day. Now I don't necessarily reach that all the time as I get super tired of making a trip to the restroom every hour.

But the reason why they don't want you to dehydrate is so that you have enough fluids for the growing baby, who takes in what you drink and urinates it out which in turn is part of the amniotic fluid that it grows and hangs out in.. along with it having certain nutrients, electrolytes, and antibodies. So if you're drinking alcohol and the baby uses that beverage as it is made to, takes it in as part of the nutritional process and urinates it out into the amniotic fluid.. where is it going to go except staying where it is with the baby until the water breaks?

Just some food for thought. I imagine it may take a little more alcohol to affect the baby and it's development, but there is a reason why they say you should not drink alcohol while pregnant and it can cause birth defects for the baby.

Another recommendation for “Expecting Better” by Emily Oster. She explains all the research behind how much alcohol is and isn’t ok and why this is.
As others have mentioned before, small amounts are processed by your liver and will never reach the baby/placenta. However if you drink more than a glass of wine or drink very quickly, your liver won’t be able to process the alcohol quickly enough and it may harm your baby.
There is no research to show that small amounts of alcohol a couple times a week make any difference to babies’ development or IQ vs not drinking at all. The guidelines given vary in each country as well, the NHS is just very cautious.
Of course everyone has to make the decision for themselves, but it’s worth looking into the research and making informed choices.

I just don’t see why anyone would risk it. It’s not hard (or shouldn’t be hard) to go without alcohol for 9 months, and if it’s for the health of your baby why wouldn’t you?

@Yoshinori

Might be an mean thing to say but I 100% judge any woman who can’t not drink for 9 months for her own child. Sorry. Not sorry. Why risk it ?

Agreed

Goodness me, some very judgemental people on here!! Everything carries a risk and it’s up to you whether you deem the risk acceptable or not. If you stick to reading peer reviewed papers and know the facts, then only you can decide if you think it’s a risk to you. Foetal alcohol syndrome is a completely different kettle of fish to half a shandy once a month. As to those who judge others having a sip of wine or beer - I’ve no words!! I’m can imagine this sanctimonious attitude doesn’t just stop there!

I personally wouldn't ever risk it. Having had 3 MC already I would just never take that chance. Each to their own OP, only you can make that decision.

I had a small glass of champagne in my second pregnancy at my wedding. It isn’t a case of not being able to go without, I rarely drink alcohol(I think the last time was Christmas 2019) but I wanted a small drink on my wedding day so I did.

I had maybe 6-10 glasses wine through entire pregnancy with 1 & 2 DC- both fine- but pregnant again and had a drink at Christmas and New Year. Other than a glass on my birthday (when I'm 31 weeks) I wont be drinking much this time round.
However when breastfeeding will definitely be enjoying a lot more wine! A TINY proportion- 5% of what you drink goes into your milk, I'm comfortable that that is so fractional, I will be enjoying my wine and G&Ts when baby is here in the Spring.

I had the occasional small glass of wine with food throughout 2 pregnancies over a decade ago and I would happily do so again. And I also eat some things that probably weren't 100% recommended either like mousses and unpasteurised cheeses etc. I chose to just live my normal life, with slightly more moderation but with a relaxed attitude which I think is as helpful as anything.

Really agree with that theleafandnotthetree.

I'm the same as theleafandnotthetree – have had the odd glass here and there after the first trimester, the occasional bit of paté, soft cheese etc. and am not in the slightest bit worried about any of it. I have read the peer-reviewed research, including syntheses such as Oster's, and I make my own informed decisions.

I did. But then I drank throughout my pregnancy as well. Nowhere near as much as usual, and weaker drinks than usual. By which I mean I have a very high alcohol tolerance and rarely get drunk or hangovers. Id have to drink all evening and all night for that to happen. Even then I don't get hangovers and I've never not remembered anything, I always remember regardless of how much I've had to drink. So usually if I have a spirit and mixer I make it strong, between a double and treble, poured freehand. But I made them weak, so a single or less. Or with wine I'd have a small bit topped right up with lemonade. But no way was I not having a drink for 9 months, especially at my wedding.
My mum drank and smoked as normal throughout all 3 of her pregnancies. My Nan the same both times. All fine. And I know others who have as well.