I got drunk while 10 weeks pregnant

[stupidalcoagain]

I am nearly 11 weeks pregnant and got drunk a few days ago, not a couple of drinks. Full on drunk.

I had two miscarriages in 2020 and thought it was happening again. I was in a lot of pain/ cramping and bleeding. The bleeding didn't last long, but I was already drunk by that point. The cramps are still here but only when I cough/ sneeze.

I am a recovering alcoholic, and my first reaction was to get drunk and forget about everything. I didn't drink for either of the other pregnancies, I did relapse both times after I knew though. I didn't drink for a few months before getting pregnant this time.

As the bleeding has stopping and really wasn't enough by a long shot I am starting to now think I haven't miscarried and am terrified I have done damage. One MC though I didn't bleed at all when I found out all of it was removed by d&c. But I knew both times I had lost the baby. I had the same feeling.

I really don't know what to think. I am trying to get a private app or I can get to the EPU on Friday. I have looked up FAS, apparently, the first 8 weeks is when drinking is most likely to cause huge problems as the "plan/layout" of the baby is being mapped. But since loads of women drink unknowingly in the first 6 weeks even 8 weeks, which apparently is far more dangerous of birth defects/ FAS and not many babies are born with issues I think I might be ok? As I was 10 weeks and out of the embryonic phase I am hoping if I am still pregnant I haven't done damage.

I know I'm rambling but I don't know what to think. I know it was so stupid to react by picking up a drink. Has anyone drank knowingly/ unknowingly at 10 weeks and had a healthy baby? This is all assuming I haven't mc'd

Op everything will be fine.
Stop googling.

As you've said yourself women drink, some even do drugs before they find out their pregnant.

Be kind to yourself

I’m sure everything will be fine. I knew someone that didn’t know she was pregnant until she felt baby kicking at around 20 weeks. She had spilt with her boyfriend and had been out letting her hair down a fair few times, baby was fine.

A good friend of mine didn't find out until she was 4 months pregnant. She had gone working as a holiday rep in Magaluf for pretty much all that time, and it was not tame! Her child was born with no issues and at 7yrs is still all good.
I'm no doc but I'd say you'd have to be drinking fairly consistently heavily the whole way thro pregnancy to do damage. It's not that long ago women didn't know they shouldn't drink while pregnant!

I drank and smoked for the first 4 months of my first pregnancy as I didn't know I was pregnant!

I was also out clubbing/dancing every weekends, painting and lifting heavy furniture etc.

Try not to worry.

It should be fine. Try not to worry, but if you think you need support so it doesn’t happen again - make that a priority.

I don't think PPs' posts are helpful actually - I know you want to reassure OP, but what you're actually doing is giving her irrational, alcoholic brain new excuses to carry on drinking because "it won't harm the baby".

OP - thus far, it might have harmed your baby, but probably not full-blown FAS. If you stop now, your baby has the best possible chance. If you carry on, any harm will be multiplied.

I'm an alcoholic too. I know what it's like, fighting that inner battle with yourself. Please stop - whatever works best for you, whether that's AA or something else. You can do this - once you get out the other side, life can be wonderful. Truly.

Thanks everyone for the kinds words.

@MrsColon I do get why you're saying that but I am finding those messages helpful making my brain slow down and stop googling!! I have no intention of drinking anymore, I'm not taking their messages as permission to drink. I had no desire at all in any of my pregnancies, I wanted to protect my baby. I drank because I was mc'ing but now I'm worried that maybe I wasn't and the baby is in fact still there and I over reacted (how unlike an alcoholic!!). I won't know either way until I can get a scan or the blood comes.

I'll be going to AA tonight, My life is so much better when I am not drinking. Every part of it, which I never thought I'd think.

I don't think PPs' posts are helpful actually - I know you want to reassure OP, but what you're actually doing is giving her irrational, alcoholic brain new excuses to carry on drinking because "it won't harm the baby".

I understand what you are saying but I think the Op knows full well that drinking isn't going to be good for the baby. But at this point stressing over one drunken night will do more harm than good.

Good luck with your continued sobriety OP - I hope everything goes well for you and you get the help you need.

Are you in active recovery now? If so, reach out. If not, get there.

@CloseYourEyesAndSee I'd say "kinda" I've been going for two years now but had a number of slips/ relapses which ever word you like to use. I live very rurally and the general demographic is older men. So it's hard to reach out to other members. I'd say I am the only regular woman, that goes most weeks.

It's unlikely you've done harm: as you say, the baby already has his/her organs. I think it's concerning that getting drunk is your reaction though. I mean this kindly, but it sounds like you allowed yourself a relapse because the situation was so bad.

My sister is a recovered alcoholic. She's had 2 relapses in 10 years and they've been terrifying and devastating. She has a young child and I never imagined she could parent so badly. I forgot what drunks are like!

It's amazing that you managed to get sober, many, many people never manage it, but relapses aren't okay even in extreme circumstances. I hope you can sort out your support system, and I hope your baby is well and never has to see you drunk x

Hi, others have commented on the alcohol related topics... My response Is on your 10week pregnancy - have you been for a scan? You must have a mid wife by now? Do you have a date for the 12 week scan?

As you say - no reason to think you misscarried... So let's carry on as if you are pregnant and get yourself checked out. Look after yourself with your diet and any supplements.

Please stop posting on really old threads