Pregnancy and drinking is in the news again.
This time it is about a large drinks company funding an initiative to help educate midwives in England and Wales about the health risks of drinking whilst pregnant, who in turn will pass on their insights to the masses.
Critics say it is in the drinks company’s interest to have people drink; supporters think this programme will potentially reach 1 million women.
But what do you think about drinking whilst pregnant?
I remember my first midwife appointment, and the stress of fessing up to having a few glasses of wine very early on (my GP said not to beat myself up over it). I also remember that during my first trimester the thought of a drink turned my tummy, hence turning me into a teetotaler.
**The government suggests pregnant women avoid drinking alcohol, limiting themselves to one to two units, once or twice a week.
How did you manage drinking and pregnancy?
Update: Ellie Lee, a senior lecturer in social policy at the University of Kent and a speaker at next week’s CyberMummy, writes this week in Spiked Online that her concern for the midwife training isn’t the source of the funding but the message itself. It may surprise you to know how little evidence there is linking babies’ health issues to drinking or moderate drinking during pregnancy to bad outcomes. Read her thought-provoking post.
-Susanna (A Modern Mother)
Photo credit: fair dingo
Workingberlinmum
Friday 17th of June 2011
Whilst pregnant I had a small glass of wine and a small glass of champagne at New Years and Christmas and that was it but that was mainly due to the fact that I felt so guilty drinking alcohol that I just didn't enjoy it. I personally think a small amount every once in a while is ok but whether or not I will have more next time around who knows.
Scottish Mum
Wednesday 15th of June 2011
Nobody can do anything about what they drink before they know they are pregnant. I have had a LOT to do with foetal alcohol children and no - you don't need to drink to excess to affect a foetus either. Ask any foster carer who cares for them. Yes, many people are lucky and their children don't seem to suffer, but think what they might have been if mum hadn't had a few glasses of wine every week. It's all "might", "could", "possible". Nobody can know exactly how much alchohol will affect a growing foetus. Alcohol passes straight through the umbilical cord to the foetus and their bodies cannot cope with it like mums can. What if a baby is diagnosed as special needs further down the line - then is it worth spending the rest of your life wondering if it was that one glass of wine at 7 months pregnant that caused learning difficulties, speech disorders, attachment issues, behavioural problems etc etc. It's unlikely, but believe me, if it happens to you, you will beat yourself up about it forever. Most mums of special needs kids pick apart EVERYTHING they did when they were pregnant and it haunts them. I don't judge, I just try to get mums to stop worrying about what has gone past and from then on, stop drinking alcohol if they are pregnant. It's just not worth the risks, but it's every expectant mums choice to take the risk. Many choose to ignore it and regret that choice. In this case, my opinion is that scaremongering is a good thing, and what has gone before should be forgotten about. The authorities should just state that they don't know how much alcohol will affect any one baby. Any mum with an alcohol problem can admit it and get the help they need. It's sad for those who cannot face it, but they have to live with the potential consequences. Sadly, most drinkers fool themselves into thinking they drink less than they do, or take the attitude that its "their" body so they can do what they like. I blogged a few weeks ago about this. http://wp.me/p1aG8Y-qU
Sarah, East Sussex
Wednesday 15th of June 2011
Its interesting reading all the comments here. I just "went off" drink once I found out I was pregnant. It was almost like a switch that went off when pregnant, and came immediately back on when I had had the baby. Weird! My opinion is that we really don't know enough about what happens to our little ones when they are in the womb, so you have to decide on an acceptable level of risk you can live with. Its not a hard and fast rule. Its your body, your baby - the many parental decisions you are going to have to make start here. You decide.
Boat-Wife
Tuesday 14th of June 2011
I used to have one glass of red per week. It was my special moment to myself, a treat! I picked a good wine, and really enjoyed it! But my midwife said officially I should be having none. I think they put extreme rules in place because they know everyone will bend the rules.
Cris
Tuesday 14th of June 2011
For me was a easy decision. I simply don't drink while I'm pregnant. My baby is too important for me and doesn't worth the risk.