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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Can I have a very small glass of champagne on Xmas day while pregnant?

97 replies

Lilybow · 24/12/2021 08:13

I'm 18 weeks and my husband is very adamant that I don't have anything, not even a sip. I'd really like 50-100ml glass of champagne just on Xmas day during pregnancy. I know probably no point as it's such a small glass and my husband would probably make me feel guilty.

Is anyone else having a small drink and pregnant?

OP posts:
FabricedeSauveterre · 24/12/2021 08:41

When I was pregnant in 2006 the guidelines allowed a small amount of alcohol, my midwife told me they changed it to stop people abusing the guidelines rather than a sudden discovery that one glass is bad for you. What harm does your dh think it will cause?

Tomeeornottomee · 24/12/2021 08:43

Have you thought about maybe a Buck’s Fizz or a mimosa? Then at least you have a wee drink but it’s not too strong?

Original poster
Lilybow · 24/12/2021 08:48

I think it's because my husband is so against it, he's usually so chilled and "do what you want" but with this he's really strongly opposed to it so making me feel guilty for even thinking about it.
I'm going to have a very small glass I think.

OP posts:
Heruka · 24/12/2021 08:49

I didn’t as I didn’t like the thought of it passing to my baby, what that would feel like for them. But I also don’t think your husband should be making you feel guilty, it’s your choice.

AdmiralCain · 24/12/2021 08:51

My Mum and Gran used to have a pint of Guinness a day for Iron as recommended. My Grans 8 kids were fine, My mums four kids were fine.

Barton10 · 24/12/2021 08:51

Of course! I was around 20 weeks at Christmas and had a small glass of champagne and I had one on NYE too! DS is 21 now! Go and enjoy

RosesAndHellebores · 24/12/2021 08:55

When I was pg with dd more than 20 years ago (high risk, high stress pregnancy) my lovely obstetrician told me if a G&T in the evenings helped, to have one as one or even two would do no harm.

Paradoxically despite following every single rule in other pgs I took him at his word and dd was my only baby to go over term and be born pink and screaming.

lebkuchenforxmas · 24/12/2021 08:58

My approach during both of my pregnancies was that I would have a glass of champagne whenever it was on offer. In my life, that is basically Christmas Day, weddings, big birthdays and perhaps christenings. They don't happen that often so perhaps 3 or 4 small glasses during each pregnancy.

quince2figs · 24/12/2021 09:00

@hivemindneeded

When I was pregnant my lovely doctor wrote out 'glass of champagne on Christmas Day' on her prescription pad and tore it off for me. I'll never forget that.
What a sensible GP! Ex- obstetrician here. As PP have said, guidelines were changed to zero alcohol a few years ago, NOT because a small amount is any less safe than it used to be, but because it’s not ethical to do research on pregnant women to assess the effect of different levels in pregnancy. Also to avoid people misinterpreting and drinking to excess.

For very many years, it was sensibly said that perhaps 1 unit a week was fine. And it is.

You have to make your own risk assessments in life, pregnancy and as a mother. Some people aren’t so good at this, and might (incorrectly) attribute any complication or observation later on to “having had a glass of champagne”. If that’s you, you might choose to avoid if it will worry you more.

whiteroseredrose · 24/12/2021 09:00

I had an occasional drink with DS which doesn't appear to have harmed him.

I would have with DD but had 'morning sickness' until she was born.

Dozer · 24/12/2021 09:01

It’s not your H’s body or business. Ditto your choices as regards the birth and feeding.

Unicornflakegirl · 24/12/2021 09:07

I wouldn't but because I don't want to do something that I perceive as a risk and wouldn't enjoy it. If there are risks I can easily avoid I will. There are things I have to do, or choose on balance to do, like get in a car to go to antenatal appointments, but where food and drinks are concerned if the NHS says avoid I'll wait until after the baby is here. I do have alcohol free beer which is okay but tried a red wine that was pretty disgusting so I'll wait.

OnceuponaRainbow18 · 24/12/2021 09:08

Will your husband also not be drinking a sip?

chocolatepudandchocolatesauce · 24/12/2021 09:10

Yes it's not her husband's body but it is his baby. So often on here we hear about men who don't step up and parent their child and now we have a man who is wanting to be involved in his child's health and we spout the usual crap about it all being her choice because it is her body. Why have a drink if it's going to cause issues between you and your husband. Buy a non alcoholic version. No, one glass of champagne probably won't hurt your child but neither will having non alcoholic one hurt you.

DSGR · 24/12/2021 09:10

Of course you can! Zero evidence of harm at low levels

ThreeFeetTall · 24/12/2021 09:10

I think sometimes men can feel a bit powerless and their concern comes from a good place. I had a friend who's husband was like this about diet when she was pregnant, he is now a great, involved father.

But yes have the drink! As long as it's the glass and not the whole bottle Grin

TheUsualChaos · 24/12/2021 09:11

Oh course you can. The standard advice is not to drink alcohol at all because it's impossible to give a "safe" amount as guidance. One small drink won't be harmful. Think your DH needs to relax a bit. Do you plan to breastfeed? Is he "banning" you from the odd glass of wine the whole time you breastfeed as well?
I would be saying to him if you feel that strongly then no alcohol for you either! Seriously though, just have the glass of champagne. It sounds a bit like he is needing to "win" this one. It's your body and right to make sensible informed choices.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 24/12/2021 09:12

I do hope your husband is also refraining from drinking for 9 months...

When I was pregnant with my eldest we were told a small glass of wine a week was fine.

frogswimming · 24/12/2021 09:16

Yes you can!!

RTHJ14 · 24/12/2021 09:17

I had half a glass on New Year’s Eve when pregnant with my eldest, I was about 20 weeks. The baby went bonkers, loads of movement and it was the first time my husband felt him move. It was really lovely, watching the fireworks and feeling like a family… so obviously I’d say it was fine (though no medical knowledge!!) xx

DreamingofGinoclock · 24/12/2021 09:54

Each pregnancy I had two very small glasses of champagne (on separate occasions) at wedding toasts!

Flamingosnbears · 24/12/2021 10:00

The NHS says no amount of alcohol is a safe amount there's just too much uncertainty around it if you go on Tommy's website they give hints and tips on no alcoholic alternatives.

Warmduscher · 24/12/2021 10:05

@Bluntness100

Yes, medically doctors say it’s fine, personally I never did, as I know it effectively goes to the baby and I’d no more feed a baby champagne than I would one in the womb.
Ah, @Bluntness100, you can always be relied on to bring some of your trademark passive-aggressiveness to any thread, even at Christmas Grin
margegunderson · 24/12/2021 10:08

Yes.