Heavy Alcohol Use During Early Pregnancy

[AnonymousWoman1006]

This is eating me alive.
I found out today that I am 6w3d pregnant. I was able to get in for an ultrasound this afternoon upon discovering the positive test. For now it’s viable and the HB is 118.
Very unplanned & completely unintentional. The problem is I have been self-medicating with alcohol for a couple of months. I’m 8 month PP and have suffered terrible PPD/A. I know this is not a solution and I feel extreme guilt and shame.
I am also on Wellbutrin (3rd antidepressant I’m trying) and about 1mg of Clonazepam daily.
I do not want to bring a human into the world with FASD/problems related to my alcohol use.
What are the chances I’ve harmed the embryo? I’m terrified.
My family doctor says I haven’t hurt it as it’s too early. I don’t believe that.
The yolk sac was visible today, but I’ve read conflicting info on whether alcohol passes through to it.
Last drink was yesterday (and it is my last). Usual consumption is 3-10/day spaced out over the day and night, but usually 6-10 other than a 4 day dry period I had from what would have been 3w6d to 4w2d.
Please help. Without judgement if possible. I’m doing enough of that myself.

@AnonymousWoman1006 I don't have a lot of advice - but I will say I've only ever heard what your doctor has said, and that it takes sustained heavy alcohol abuse all pregnancy to do damage. Please be kind to yourself - you haven't done anything malicious, quite the opposite as now you've found out you are worried and trying to make sure the baby is ok. All you can do is focus on the now and what you can do to be as healthy as possible. Big hugs, please don't beat yourself up xxx

I think you should heed what your GP says, honestly there would be a lot more FAS if it did damage that early, lots of people don’t even know they are pregnant at 6 weeks.
please be kind to yourself, seek early support from your perinatal mental health team, they will be a great support to you.
sending unmumsnetty hugs to you

Most people I know drank in the early weeks of pregnancy before they ground out they were pregnant. One didn’t find out until 6 month’s pregnant and was drinking and smoking until then. Obviously stop now you are aware but you won’t have done any harm this early. It needs the placenta to be working to go to the baby and currently the baby is getting everything it needs from the yolk sac, so alcohol won’t pass through yet.

Please don't eat yourself up. I'm not a doctor but I have heard what your doctor said before. That it doesn't pass until the placenta is formed which isn't until a bit later. Now you know you can make changes. Please try and get some support for your mental health.

I partied v v heavily before I discovered I was pg (obv unintentional). All good. Stop the booze etc now, see a specialist (obstetrics) and congratulations!

Alcohol does effect the brain this early but it happens alot with unplanned pregnancy etc and the key is just to completely stop now,and bear the alcohol in mind in future as you are doing already by talking to the doctor,so your doing all the right things now.fasd is such a spectrum and it's more prevelant than autism yet very low awareness in society,so i think your doing well by taking it seriously and researching.congratulations too,it will all be ok!

Hi dear, I pray that your pregnancy went well. Can you please update us. I was taking Magnesium Syrup with Alcohol in, and I'm sick weeks pregnant. I hope you can shed us a light, thank you 🌹