Is it Ok for a pregnant woman to have a 5% alcohol beverage every now and then?

Answer 1

I wouldn't do it .. alcohol is a teratogenic agent.. meaning it crosses the placenta no matter how little you consume of it. and how does it hurt your baby?--> it is an oxidant, and may cause mutations in the baby's development

Answer 2

Ask your doctor. Whatever s/he says should be the ultimate word on this issue, but whether it's safe is dependent on a few factors. It all goes around the rule that less alcohol exposure is better for the fetus.

One, when will the drinking occur? The earlier in the pregnancy, the higher likelihood of severe damage to the fetus because that's when all the systems are forming, *especially* the nervous system. First-trimester drinking is a definite no-no. By the end of the pregnancy, however, everything is formed and it's just growing. Still better to stick with nonalcoholic beverages, but you get the drift.

Two, how much of the beverage are you planning to drink? It may only be 5% alcohol, but if you drink a quart of it, that's still a lot of alcohol. If you must drink alcohol, a few sips is better than an entire alcopop.

Three, how often is "every now and then"? The less often, the better.

Answer 3

* I have a son with multiple birth defects. No one has ever been able to tell me the cause. I didn't drink a drop of alcohol while pregnant nor take any drugs other than multiple vitamins. But if I could go back in time, I wouldn't have even drank caffeinated soda--not if there was the SLIGHTEST chance that it could be harmful to my unborn child. So...you can go 9 months without any alcohol whatsoever. You won't have the guilt trip that I had wondering if I did something that was harmful to my child and am now paying the heavy price for.

Answer 4

A pregnant woman can even consume a 10% alcoholic beverage thrice a day.

Answer 5

It takes 12 weeks or so if I remember correctly for the egg sack to actually attache itself to your uterine wall. The embryo is sustained by a yolk in the meantime. I know when your pregnant the whole world thinks that it's their god given right to judge you. There really isn't a yes or no answer, bottom line is it's your choice. Are you going to hurt the baby if you have (1) drink once a month. Will your baby be deformed. No. The later in your pregnancy you are, the more conscious you need to be as to what you are and aren't putting into your body. The choice is yours to make and people should respect your judgment (within reason). Best of luck with your pregnancy.

Answer 6

It's not as if women in Europe forgo all alcohol for their entire pregnancies. They don't get drunk but a small amount of alcohol occasionally will not do any harm to your baby. Americans are alarmists (your media encourages this) and litigious (no one wants to be sued) so Dr's say "no alcohol" to save their back sides. I had half a glass of wine during my pregnancies on a couple of occasions, but no more than that. I never drank so much that I started to feel it. Relax, have half a glass of wine (this includes all the people who have already responded to this email - you all need it), it will relax you and if it was me, I'd rather be inside a relaxed Mum than one who worries about every little thing.

Answer 7

theres been scientific studies saying that pregnant women can have the occasional small glass of wine but i wouldnt recommend it. Alcohol can cause low birth weight, brain complications , and other health related issues including a greater chance of SIDS after their born. Why risk all that just to have a drink? have a non alcoholic drink like a smoothie or something

Answer 8

Once a month is fine. Anymore than that then you could have problems. Whatever you drink the baby gets through the placenta. 5% is not strong so I cant see the odd tipple doing much harm. Good luck with your pregnancy and remember when baby comes you can have a nice drink then!

Answer 9

I will be honest with you. I do not drink often. When i was pregnant i would drink maybe half a wine cooler because i was so stressed.I didnt get drunk. I didnt do it but a couple times. Its not going to hurt you as long as you dont do it every day. My daughter turned out just fine with no learning problems or anything and she is 6 now.

Answer 10

For all the women on here that said no no no no no, apparently you haven't or didn't ask your doctor during pregnancy. I actually just asked my OB/GYN this last week because of the holidays coming up. She told me that in moderation (i.e. half a glass of wine no more than once or twice a month) is FINE. She also said that red wine is actually good for the baby in moderation because it helps strengthen the baby's heart.

Answer 11

i had 2 glasses of champagne, while i was pregnant with my first child, i ask my doctor about this and he said in moderation such as i had it was fine, obviously your not going to be getting drunk on a daily basis or start drinking alcohol regualarly and hurt your baby..
my baby was healthy and weighted 8 lbs 2 oz