Can I drink alcohol while pregnant?

Can I Drink Alcohol In Pregnancy? How Much Alcohol Is Safe To Drink In Pregnancy? And In Which Trimester?

Dear Doctor,

I am Abby.

I’m currently 7 weeks pregnant and I had 3 shots of vodka. Will this affect my baby?

Does Vodka contain a large amount of alcohol? Is alcohol safe to drink in pregnancy?

Abby.

Hello Abby,

Welcome to Aries Obgyn Clinic.

Can I have more details please?

When did you get your last period? Date?
When did you take the Vodka?
What medicines or supplements are you on?
When did you get your last period?
Did you get an ultrasound yet?
Are you on any prenatals?

Dr.M.D.Mazumdar

Dear Doctor,

My last period was on August 15th.

I have not as yet got an ultrasound. But I have gone to see my family doctor and the prenatals I am taking are the Centrum.

I am not on any other medicine.

I took the Vodka last evening.

Abby.

Dear Abby,

Alcohol at any time during the pregnancy is not safe.

It is most unsafe in thefirst trimestersince that is the time when the fetus is developing the different body organs.

Alcohol can cause a syndrome known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). It can cause low birth weight, eye and ear problems, behavioral issues and problems with sleeping and eating.

Even minimal amounts of alcohol may not be safe in pregnancy. Less than 2 drinks per day may not cause any effects although it cannot be ruled out.

Drinking more than 2 shots a day or binge drinking can cause FAS.

Please inform your doctor about drinking the alcohol at your next visit.

You will need close monitoring during the pregnancy.

Dr. M.D.Mazumdar

That is scary!

Do all babies suffer from the FES? What chance is there that my baby is affected?

Thanks for the information,

Abby

Abby,

No, not all babies are affected. About 1 in 20 (5%) of babies exposed to alcohol during pregnancy can suffer from FAS. But this is a high risk, And you doctor will need to follow you closely during your pregnancy.

Dr. Mazumdar

OK.

I will tell my doctor about it – I did not know that you cannot drink alcohol while pregnant.

I hope my baby is fine.

Thank you for your help.

You are welcome.

Let me know if I can help you further. Or if you need more information.

Dr. Mazumdar,

Aries Obgyn Clinic.