What were you told???

Hmm this is getting really interesting it seems that we aren't all getting the same info. I am sure most of our mums may have had the odd sip and we all turned out ok.Keep the comments comming though i am sure others will be interested to read this and add their comments.

Bobbie I've heard that comment too - my friend's specialist told her that saying have nothing at all is to discourage the people who would drink far too much if they said "a little bit is OK" - because a little bit is different for everyone, right?

I was told to abstain but there is controversial evidence on this. This year a study was published in the UK suggesting a small amount of alcohol during pregnancy is associated with better development in children:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/3285792/Pregnant-women-can-drink-a-small-glass-of-wine-a-week.html

I had a few small shandys in Samoa when we got married. I think the next pregnancy I may have a small drink once a week after the first trimester. This is not the only study - there was a very large Australian study showing no increase in birth defects in women who drank 2-14 drinks a week (I don't suggest this!!) The thing about FAS is the facial defects occur at a very specific time - and fairly randomly ie - some women its a couple of drinks, some alcoholics have normal babies.

I'm sorry but I'd never risk it, regardless of whether some of you claim a small amount is safe or not- is it really worth it in the long run? I've seen the effects of FAS - it ain't pretty!, and that was from a woman who only drank a couple glasses during her pregnancy because she was told it was OK to do so.

With anything though, you'll always get conflicting information depending on the MW or Doctor. That was one thing I couldn't stand with my post-natal care. I was getting told totally diff advice from the likes of MW, Plunket, Dr etc etc.

I personally think the msg is loud and clear, and it's a selfish act to indulge in an alcoholic beverage when pregnant, but please bare in mind I'm a non-drinker and non-smoker- I can't stand the thought of either (fun police or what? ) Personal life choice and I'm happy with it, I don't need it

But on a side note, think of all these women who fall pregnant unplanned and often go out on weekends boozing it up (especially during that first trimester when they have no idea they are preggers, when its crucial), and they end up going on to keep bub - would be interesting to see the % of bubs that suffer the effects of FAS later on, if they were to conduct a study iykwim.

Edited by BuzzyBee

ROFL Jen that made me spit out my tea

I wouldn't risk it either personally - I was freaking out majorly from the one glass I did have and drank about 2 bottles of water afterwards to dilute it. Rowan's fine but it's just not worth the worry about 'what if' IMHO.

I personally wouldn't risk it , but thats just my personal choice.

When I was pregnant with C I was out drinking and partying for the first 7 weeks til I found out, she walked at 9 months, was speaking in 3 word sentences before she was one, so no FAS syndrome here.
My friend didn't find out she was pregnant til she was 7 MONTHS (yes I know) and smoked and drank all the way through, and HER girl is fine .
But then I have known girls who only drank a little and their babies have FAS , so perhaps its luck of the draw in some cases.
Its just one I don't mind giving up ( I found it much much harder to give up smoking )

Well, in Caitlyn's case I can guarantee it , after 7 years something would have been noticed by now , however if something wasn't right, it wouldn't have been intentional , as I gave up smoking and drinking once I knew I was pregnant , so it wouldn't have been on my conciense as much .
My friend worked in NICU she said the babies of addicts were heartbreaking .
This is not meaning to offend anyone, and it is my personal opinion , I just feel , that if you make the decision to keep a baby , you are making the decision to give them a healthy start for 9 months. I know its not always easy for some tho , I gave up smoking but it sure wasn't easy

I've had three different OB's with my three pregnancies and all have said drinking a wine every so often was ok.....or that the research was inconclusive so left it to me. I've had a couple of sips of wine with this pregnancy but my taste buds must have changed because I didn't like it!! Hopefully that will change when babies comes.

I don't drink either so it wasn't really an issue for me, and coz I had the same midwife all 4 times she didn't bother asking after Maya.