Did anyone else accidentally binge drink at 4-5 weeks (so, week 2-3 post conception)

[Bumblingonby]

Both dating scan and knowledge of when I had sex indicate that I conceived 3, rather than 2, weeks before my lmp.

I drank heavily (for me- about 5-6 units) 2 days before testing positive which was 1 day post lmp.

People have said that alcohol can't cross the yolk sac but I've learned that's not true https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/32962/#:~:text=Alcohol%20from%20the%20mother's%20bloodstream%20can%20pass%20into%20the%20yolk%20sac

and this article https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/developmental-timeline-alcohol-induced-birth-defects has really freaked me out as it indicates that, while drinking at 1-2 weeks post conception isn't a problem, drinking in week 2-3 can be really serious as this is when face and organs start forming.

They say binge is more serious than steady for fasd/alcohol relayed nd disorder, and im so worried that this one episode may have scarred my child forever... can anyone who drank in the week after their missed period and has a healthy kid reassure me?

I was ttc but was ignorant- it was my first ever month trying, had just come off the pill and cycle was everywhere, it was the first time ever having unprotected sex! And I'm 40 with pcos so thought it would never happen. I assumed the no drinking advice while ttc was about aiding conception, never occurred to me it could cause defects so early on. I'm an idiot but no point in reproaching myself now, I didn't know.

Baby is now 33 weeks and seems fine but I know fasd symptoms can take years to develop. Can anyone who drank in week 4-6 (so 2-5 after conception) provide some reassurance?

Thank you!

I did. A week before I found out I was pregnant. Lying in bed right now with my 10 month old. You'll be ok x

Technically over 6 units is considered a binge - I really wouldn't worry, it's very common. FASD would only be a risk with ongoing heavy drinking throughout. Please stop Googling as you have no way of knowing what is based on actual scientific evidence. If you're worried speak to GP or midwife. I'd always been told it was higher risk once the placenta is formed, which it wouldn't have been for you. And read the book 'Expecting Better', it makes you realise how little actual evidence there is for most common advice in pregnancy - as it's impossible to do randomised trials in pregnant women (i.e., give some alcohol and see what happens, not possible!)

I did as I was on holiday and didn't realise I was pregnant. I panicked when I realised but the Dr said it's fine in the first few weeks as long as you then stop (obviously).

My Dd got a first class degree a couple of years ago so it didn't do her any harm.

Yes - was a few days before positive test and I was on a job for a couple of days where there was a lot of evening drinking. Said child now has a doctorate.

Thanks all for the kind reassurance! @Rosesanddaisies1 v sensible advice, I'm aware of limitations on testing and the Emily Oster book. I find it quite hard to be philosophical about risk when I read articles like the one I linked but you're totally right!

@ItWasntMyFault @margegunderson that is very encouraging!

Yes, I attended a wedding in Poland. Lots of vodka! Oops. Tested positive 2 days later.

I didn't, but I know people who accidentally did and their babies were fine.

The children I know with FASD had birth mothers who drank heavily for much/all of the pregnancy.

Given it isn't a zero risk, it's with being open with your midwife about it. But the risk is tiny, and you sound like you're already a caring, dedicated and well informed mother. Your baby is blessed to be yours.

Yeah I did before I knew I was pg, eldest is now a handsome strapping lad of nearly 18, straight A student and off to Uni soon. Try not to worry in the very early days the placenta isn’t formed yet

Also went to a wedding with no idea I was pregnant- I had a fab time. Kid is in primary now, smart healthy child. Pregnancy is hard, you’ll find yourself feeling guilty about so many things. Don’t let this be one of them xx

I had a full bottle of rose wine to myself the day before i found out and not touched alcohol since

Brain damage side of FASD are the later weeks/ months.

The earlier weeks are mainly heart / CNS (spina bifida etc) and to a degree face - but that would be sustained drinking in those early weeks.

Get the heart checked privately after they're born, and eye sight.

And you're right, I get really irritated when people don't realize the yolk sac acts like an early placenta - alcohol does cross over.

Honestly, I think you'll be ABSOLUTELY fine - alcohol just increases the probability of defects at that early stage

@Rosesanddaisies1

Please don't recommend that Emily Oyster book - the alcohol section was full of misinformation

Misinformation from academic papers? I shall recommend whatever I like.

I did, 4 days before testing positive. It wasn't a crazy binge but I was out for dinner and cocktails and it was certainly quite a few drinks. I don't even drink often so was very upset at the timing.

My son is 15 months and has smashed every milestone and he's robust and healthy. I hope this is somewhat reassuring.

Also, on Emily Oster - she has definitely given poor safe sleep information based on a tiny Scottish study from decades ago, so I wouldn't take her book as gospel either.

That's interesting and makes sense, thanks. Her heart looks good so far and she's kicking up a storm so looks good so far but good to know for future.

I think part of the problem with Expecting Better is also that it's now a decade out of date.

I did. Daughter is now 30

Hi just wondering how this turned out?

I thought I was having a miscarriage due to test getting lighter and drank two gin+tonics at 3+5, 4+0, and 4+1, I think 4+1 was more like 1.5. Really really stupid to presume I knew I was definitely having a miscarriage but I had had a chemical the month before and I was afraid to hope any different.

Anyway 34 weeks now and just very sad about potential outcome. I didnt want to tell anyone I was pregnant for quite some time because I don't feel like it's happy news. I have two healthy boys already.

@Sawa75 i was on holiday when I conceived my dc. I was sharing a bottle of wine every night with my dh plus cocktails and beers and all sorts. I drank far more than you up until I discovered I was pregnant around 5 weeks a couple of days after I got home from holidays. My dc is in school now and absolutely fine .

Yes I did. DS is now a young adult in perfect health. It's incredibly common and your G&Ts won't have affected anything. Please don't worry.

I got my BFP in the middle of an all inclusive holiday!

Just come back upon this thread. For all those asking I can confirm I have a very healthy happy 20 month old with no signs of FAS!

Thats great to hear!! I have an almost 9 month old, and so far so good :-)

Yes I did. In Italy when ill with bronchitis, the only thing which made me feel human was necking back the local liqueur and pharmacy painkillers. My son is now 28, married and holds a first in a research masters.

Yes. Lots of gin at 5 weeks. Periods irregular so didn't know I was pregnant. She's now 32 and a lawyer

Didn't realise it was an old thread not did I realise I'd commented on it at the time. Congratulations on your baby. 😁😂