Does this title even sound logical to you? Translation for my friends who don’t understand my Southern dialect (Lit = Drunk & Buzzed = not quite drunk but feeling the affects of the alcohol…it’s pretty straight forward). The point, it’s inappropriate for an infant or unborn baby.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. The theme is….
“Help for Today. Hope For Tomorrow”
The aim of this awareness campaign is to give information about alcohol and the disease of alcoholism and treatment. You are getting more My Health Monday just on a Wednesday ;)!
I am spending a few minutes on the subject of drinking while pregnant because I was alarmed by an article “Can You Drink Alcohol during Pregnancy?” in the November issue of Shape (yes I know this response is late). I am not even sure how this made the editorial cut for a reality check.
This is a picture of me with my youngest Godchild from this past weekend. All I have to claim currently are her and 2 other kiddos that have mothers that thought it kind enough to name me as their God Mothers. I can’t imagine drinking alcohol at all, point blank period if I was pregnant with a little blessing such as this. I’m curious to hear from you!
The “Reality Check” reported that apparently more studies are needed on the impact of low and moderate alcohol intake but heavy drinking is definitely a no-no & clearly linked to birth defects. It also suggested that a glass of wine after the first trimester on occasion was probably fine.
Question: WHERE ARE THEY FINDING THE STUDY PARTICIPANTS???
Who feels that it is so important to have social drinks for birthdays and anniversaries that they would risk the health of their unborn child to find out what happens. These studies were not done in the United States. However, I don’t feel that an unborn child is less important because they aren’t American.
This article really confused me as a health care professional, as a future mother (God willing), & just a concerned human being.
I do not recommend ANY drinking while pregnant or trying to conceive. Often times I compare advice from my gynecologist verses a friend’s and the advice will conflict. I feel that we have to use our common sense and sometimes second opinions. I firmly stand behind my opinion.
I have so many mommy friends and blends & somehow, I think someone might have a contrary viewpoint! Please, let’s discuss this in the comments!
Yours in Healthy, Active, & Prosperous Lifestyles,
Rx Fitness Lady wants to know…
- How do you feel about drinking alcohol during any trimester of pregnancy?
- Do you trust everything your physician/pharmacist advises or do you get a second opnion?
Rx Fitness Lady
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When I was pregnant I watched everything I ate and drank. I didn’t drink alcohol or caffeine, I didn’t take Advil or allergy medicine, I didn’t eat deli or soft cheeses. I know people who did though and I never understood it. I worked with a woman who said that she was so sad after she had her baby because it meant she had to start taking care of herself again. I was the total opposite, I have never taken better care of myself than when I was pregnant!
Angela Gilmore recently posted…I dream of Etsy
You were VERY careful. This is how I would think every mother would be. Good to know Angela!
I’ve read numerous studies that says wine in moderation is ok during pregnancy. I also know women who’ve had an occasional glass of wine throughout their pregnancy and delivered an raised a seemingly healthy child. I’ve had doctor’s recommend me taking Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen during pregnancy. I fell the same way about alcohol as I do medications while pregnant. Off limits (unless absolute emergency for meds). I’m with Angela. I take the best care of my internal health while pregnant or breastfeeding. People abuse their bodies everyday and by the grace of God, have healthy children, but that’s one risk I’m not willing to take because I’ve also witnessed when things don’t turn out that great.
(That’s one of the reasons I took advanced studies in taking care of pregnant women. When they’re in pain and don’t want to take meds, chiro care is a life saver)
Hope recently posted…How can my boy pee down when his tool is pointing up?
Hum, thanks so much for your insight Hope. I am still confused as to where these numerous subjects are coming from…I’d probably have a few choice words for the research team that requested I participate in a study to see if alcohol affected my unborn child…I just don’t get it!
As far as chiro care…never thought of that. I will be sure to remember that going forward.
I have a very strong feeling about alcohol in general but I am with Hope…when I was pregnant both times, I took the best care of myself possible. I constantly had headaches but I only took meds when absolutely necessary. I suffered through many colds and I just put my head down and got through it for 10 months. I am also not sure why people *need* the wine so bad during pregnancy but to each’s own I guess. Just not my babies. 🙂 Fantastic article my friend.
Nellie recently posted…Weekly Wednesday Workout: The Half Pike With Tap
Mine neither Nellie! I am so glad to be getting consistent responses. I was really alarmed by this! Thanks a billion for stopping by today 😉
I’ve heard of studies talking about a glass of wine begin okay wile pregnant. I’m with you, I don’t think it’s good to consume alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding. I don’t want to take any chances on my future baby’s health by consuming alcohol. This is a great topic to bring to the forefront.
Sherelle recently posted…Media Mondays: The F M D
Thanks Sherelle! I appreciate the support! I would hope that during Alcohol Awareness month the issue of alcoholism would be addressed and treated. That’s the only way I would see someone drinking while pregnant, is if they couldn’t help it.
I wasn’t perfect while pregnant either time. Just the food aversions and nausea made me eat whatever I could, and that included deli meat a few times. (not cool!) I have many friends who had coffee in moderation and a few friends who had a glass of wine or even two while pregnant, but usually not until the end because they thought it might help with labor nerves. I imagine just a touch at the end isn’t harmful, but I honestly didn’t drink a drop while pregnant.
Tamara recently posted…There’s a Disconnect.
Hum, alas…someone knows someone. I wonder what made them comfortable doing that. I will have to ask my OBGYN to see if he consults to ok this. Thanks Tamara for chiming in!
HI Joi,
I do not think ANY alcohol should come in at any time during pregnancy. I was shocked when I saw someone out at a cocktail party a few weeks ago, drinking not one (huge) glass of wine, but a second!! She is five months pregnant. I mean, perhaps half a glass may not have caused me to notice but two large glasses did.
Meds too we have to be careful of. Though Doctor’s say you can take this and that, you have to think about how it is affecting the baby – however I understand we get sick, have headaches etc. during pregnancy – but the lowest dose should always be considered first (i.e. panadol vs. panadeine or extra strength panadol…etc.)
For me it hits home even harder as I have suffered pregnancy loss along the way, and I feel especially in the first trimester – alcohol should be 100% avoided. If we cannot give up alcohol for the sake of our baby’s health – then what? It’s is nine months – the time to have wine and alcohol will come again, and time flies.
Yes the studies say it is okay, but using my common sense, I just do not see how this could be “okay” if one glass of wine can make me slightly tipsy – what is it doing to the baby?
Jeanine recently posted…{Fab Inspiration} The Best of the Best Luxury Villas in Jamaica!
Agreed! So many good points in your comment.
I would have been shocked at watching your friend as well, maybe even said something.
I had to take antibiotics in the last trimester with my second two pregnancies because I was so sick, and I am convinced that that is what caused the food allergies that my children had when they were very young…severe in my youngest son’s case. Neither my husband nor I have a history and my oldest son had no issues either (no antibiotics taken). I can’t say for sure whether or not it was a factor, but mom’s intuition, I believe it was. I know this is not alcohol but its related, so I figured I’d chime in.
Michelle recently posted…Feeling Appreciated | The Liebster Award
Yes very much so Michelle! Thanks for chiming in. Very interesting conclusion you’ve drawn.
I heard about the wine in moderation actually had a friend who drank wine from time to time when she was pregnant. I didn’t drink anything while I was pregnant didn’t have time busy throwing up and running to do # 1 . People will do what they want to do they think things will be okay if done in moderation smh
Sorry you had a rough pregnancy but so glad you didn’t partake!
Hey Joi! I agree with you. If we have to watch what we take into our bodies while breastfeeding, how much more should we watch what we intake during our pregnancies. I agree with the ladies. While pregnant with all three of our children, I didn’t take meds or drink alcohol or caffeine nor did I do it while breastfeeding. I mean really…if alcohol inebriates grown folk, what do they think it’ll do to an unborn child. I just don’t get some people. If there’s a slight possibility of it causing harm, don’t do it…it’s called SELF-CONTROL…ijs! As always Joi…thanks for the discussion! Have a good one suga! 😀
Michell recently posted…Doing YOU WELL Wednesday #14
Michell, I notice most of the mothers are chiming in with the medication issue as well. I wonder are you all referring to the epidural as well. I know lots of people opt not to have it. I’m of a different opinion on that one!
I did not drink one drop of alcohol when I was pregnant, nor would I. I think it’s still very much up in the air exactly how much is “okay” and how much is not. I wouldn’t have risked the health of my baby so I could have wine or beer . No way. (I felt the same way when I was breastfeeding. I felt the same way about medications, too) Not to sound all judge-y or offend anyone, but if you are unable to abstain from alcohol while pregnant– if drinking is that essential to your happiness– that seems problematic. –Lisa
The Dose of Reality recently posted…Lucky Charms With A Side Of Mothballs
I couldn’t have said it better Lisa!
Ive heard that wine is ok, however being in the helping profession as long as I have I have seen how people go overboard and abuse this piece of infomration. I know of some who drink a bottle of wine and think it is ok because it is wine. Personally I didnt drink anything once my pregnancy was confirmed. I was so afriad of anything going wrong. Carrying a child is a huge responsibility.
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A bottle of wine sounds completely ridiculous to me but I am saying the same thing over and over again. I am going to start sounding judgmental so I will chill out!
I will admit that I had one glass of red wine while celebrating our wedding anniversary. I was 5 months pregnant at the time. Your read the results of that in Kokoa Mag’s June Edition. Drinking, smoking, not eating properly…all of these things are unfair and neglectful to the baby. Just saying…
Andrea recently posted…BeQuoted – Quotes of the Week
Can’t wait to read it in Kokoa!
They have been saying this for years, my doctor advised that it was ok. I didn’t drink while pregnant with both of mine, but sad to say I knew several woman that drank during pregnancy. I didn’t even dye my hair when I was pregnant.
Whitney recently posted…Pinterest Wednesday
I take it dying your hair is a regular 😉
This is definitely a hot topic! I know that I sorely missed drinking while pregnant with my girls, but just couldn’t bring myself to have even a glass. (Though I did take the occasional sip of my husband’s beer or wine. Just enough to taste, but that’s it) Even now while breastfeeding, I won’t drink until after the baby has gone to bed so I know that even my one and only glass will be out of my system before she nurses the next morning.
That said, research has flipped back and forth on this issue. I can’t tell you how many times I was told “You can have just one glass” or “You’re being too strict”. I just told them it was a risk I didn’t want to take. (Regarding research participants, I know that when I gave birth to L, I signed a consent form to use her birth information in a research study. It was all after the fact, so it’s not like it would be particularly controlled information, but I’m assuming that’s how much of these types of information are gathered.)
Leslie recently posted…{Weigh In Wednesday} Week 16
Ok, well that makes sense. Thanks for sharing that Leslie!
I am stopping by with DYWW blog hop. I was probably the healthiest eater ever when I was pregnant. Trying to make sure my babies didn’t get anything that could possibly be bad for them. I can’t imagine people wanting to drink alcohol when pregnant.
Betty Taylor recently posted…Wordless Wednesday – The Color of Spring Is Here!!!!
I imagine I would whip it all into shape while pregnant as well. Thanks for stopping by Betty!
Joi
I strongly believe you should not drink alcohol during anytime of your pregnancy. My second opinion is you should not drink alcohol before or after your child is born. Lol I am a non alcohol drinker for life!!! I know I am in the minority! That’s my opinion.
Yes, you stay high off of life in general. You don’t need a single drop of alcohol my dear! Stop drinking up all the chasers though…LOL on that, lol!
I need to weigh in with a contrarian view, that being all the Dos and Donts while pregnant is just so fanatical that often times I do question whether enough research has been done. Let’s me just caveat, that I would never drink while pregnant, but for those who do (i.e., the French, American mothers in the sixties or seventies), has there really been enough research to condemn them? Do we really know what’s right or wrong? For example, raw fish is off-limits. It’s one of the first things you hear when you’re pregnant. But are Japanese mothers told to give up sushi or raw fish? Absolutely not! If research has proven it’s not good, then wouldn’t the Japanese stop eating raw fish altogether just like American mothers? That’s what concerns me. Americans have a litany of things to avoid while pregnant, but do we have the evidence to back up each of these things?
catherine gacad recently posted…Yesterday was International Denim Day
I love the American precautions :)! I would be very leery of drinking and participating in studies.
Hi Joi. I did not drink alcohol while I was pregnant. Was really paranoid about that. A friend of mine had one glass of red wine while she was pregnant because her doctor said it was ok. A former co-worker of mine smoked her entire pregnancy. That blew me away! Not only was I paranoid about the alcohol, but I was paranoid about taking meds and eating raw seafood (I love sashimi and raw oysters!) and blue cheese. There are several “humorous” lists circulating online about all the things that pregnant women of the 1930-1970s did because the research didn’t suggest it was wrong, e.g., eating blue cheese, raw seafood, taking aspirin, and not being tested for diabetes. The summation is if your mother did that and you turned out fine, the research must be wrong. I wasn’t trying to find out. Happy Friday!
Kimberly H. Smith recently posted…My Imitation Of Life Jumped Off A Streetcar Named Desire
I feel you Kimberly! I am of the opinion that it’s better safe than sorry. I am not a mother but it something I long to be one day and I just can’t imagine subject my child to any harm for a tipsy 30 minutes! Thanks for adding to the discussion my dear!
I don’t think anyone should be drinking during pregnancy at all! I don’t drink often (once every five years or so) but when I was pregnant with my daughter (first) I had a few drinks on New Years because I did not know I was pregnant. I totally freaked out when I found out I was pregnant and knew I had those drinks. Until she was born no one could convince me it would be fine. You never know! You are growing a human being in there…you need to feed it well.
Carli recently posted…Teaching Pilates All Over Town #FitnessFriday
Amen Carli! You raise an interesting point about precautionary measures for those trying to conceive.
I’ve heard that it is really common in Europe for women to have wine throughout their pregnancy. I don’t think they are getting drunk though I really have no idea.
I am with you though. When we start trying to conceive I’m going to get even stricter with my diet. I don’t eat a lot of commercially processed foods as it is but I want to completely cut them out. It might be deemed safe to have a glass of wine but really, why risk it?
Kristiina recently posted…{DIY} Jump Rings
Exactly my point Kristiina! Is it really that necessary?