Drinking Wine during the 3rd trimester????

[Anonymous]

Another vote for having an occasional glass if you want it. I would have, but the very first sip exacerbated my heartburn (I tried a few times during the last three months), so I ended up not drinking at all during pregnanct. I have had a glass (sometimes two) many nights while breastfeeding, though, which some people are against, but again, I think most things in moderation are fine.

[Anonymous]

What also should be taken into consideration is the fact that for centuries women drank wine during pregnancy without ill effects to their babies. In fact, I query how many of our mothers drank while pregnant with us? Given what we know now about alcoholism and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, it is advisable to take the abundance of caution approach and limit alcohol intake. However, this does not mean that, in moderation, alcohol will harm your baby. The public health problem with sending out such a message would be those people who cannot drink alcohol in moderation, thus the general prohibition on any alcohol during pregnancy. For those of us who can drink in moderation though, I don't believe we should be made to feel guilty for the occasional glass of wine.

[Anonymous]

I had my first glass of wine last night to celebrate my last day of work before I deliver. It might have been the best glass of wine I've ever had.

[Anonymous]

Fact is there are no studies that have measured the effect of little to moderate consumption of alcohol. All studies have looked at no alcohol use vs. more than three glasses of alcohol. So none of these people that 'think' they know actually know anything.

The first trimester is the one in general to be most cautious with everything. The last trimester is a totally different story. A little wine is not going to hurt I'd say. You don't see all these people stopping their diet, splenda drinks and that has certainly not been studied for long-term effects. Or high fructose corn syrup, that's pretty 'evil' too and most people don't pay attention at all. Anyway, do what your comfortable with.

And for all the people being so judgmental, maybe you should ask yourself if every little bit of your diet and life-style is so perfect.

[Anonymous]

I understand that it is considered acceptable in many European countries to drink small amounts of wine during pregnancy. Not that i'm a doctor, but my sense is that a glass every now and then wouldn't hurt the baby. However, I've personally cut out the alcohol just in case. My 'vice' is caffeine...I have a cup or two of tea every day. I know it's probably better to stop, but I really enjoy it and my doctor said it would be not a problem if I had only one or two cups a day and no caffeine from other sources.

[Anonymous]

I was also paranoid with my first pregnancy - didn't drink any alcohol, have any caffeine, etc. etc.

This time around I'm much more relaxed - maybe living in Europe does it to you! I've enjoyed a half glass of wine from time to time - maybe once every 2-3 weeks. I don't see the harm in it at all.

[Anonymous]

This came out a couple days ago...

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/110270.php

[Anonymous]

Ignoring stress points (like reading this thread) is one of the greatest things you can do for your child while in the third trimester...have a glass of wine here and there...you'll be just fine (in my opinion).... I was, just be careful in this heat (lots of water with it)...you're almost there!! Congrats!

[Anonymous]

My ob told me that there aren't any studies to indicate how much is too much for a fetus. What may not affect one baby may affect another one. I had fertility issues and he told me that why would I take such a chance after all I have been through? He acknowledged that there are plenty of babies that are born with no obvious effects from the alcohol, but there is very limited research that tracks the effects down the road. Alcohol affects the brain immediately, for both mom and baby. he convinced me and now I never have to worry about it if we come across any developmental issues down the road. I won't have to look back and wonder if it was the wine I had.
My boss feels the same way - he has a 35 year old developmentally disabled daughter. His wife had the occassional glass. They have always wondered if it was related. Guilt.

[Anonymous]

If you have a hankering, have a sip or half a glass. Just don't overdo it. In previous generations pregnant women were drinking regularly AND smoking. The people still turned out ok.

[Anonymous]

Is it that hard to abstain? I find it odd that the same pregant co-worker who would have a glass of wine once in awhile, is now anti-vaccine, only buys organic, and will avoid anything that has any negative implications (sand, plastic bottles, sunscreens, shampoos, etc.). BUT she still feels it is ok to drink and breastfeed.
I just don't see how anyone can take that chance!

[Anonymous]

I don't think we're convincing one another here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it that hard to abstain? I find it odd that the same pregant co-worker who would have a glass of wine once in awhile, is now anti-vaccine, only buys organic, and will avoid anything that has any negative implications (sand, plastic bottles, sunscreens, shampoos, etc.). BUT she still feels it is ok to drink and breastfeed.
I just don't see how anyone can take that chance!

Just relaxing a little can have a huge difference in the health of the fetus and after the birth, the baby. Stress hormones are not good for anybody. Do your adjectives describe the OP?

Take a chill pill.

[Anonymous]

These conversations are always hilarious to me. My feeling is that we all just do the best we can. If you need a glass of wine in the third trimester, go for it. Practically speaking, as so many PPs have stated before, it is perfectly acceptable in some cultures to have a glass here or there -- your baby isn't going to get FAS because you have a glass of wine late in pregnancy.

For me, giving up alcohol has been easy. I haven't wanted any. I cannot, however, give up Diet Coke. I've cut down drastically (I was quite the Diet Coke addict) but I can't give it up completely. I know caffeine and aspartame are hardly helping the baby, but I don't believe it's hurting her, either (and my doc agreed). I don't think the person who drinks one glass of wine is jeopardizing her baby any more than I am. Just do the best you can, and if the occasional glass of wine will help you feel better, don't beat yourself up.

[Anonymous]

Aren't there better ways to relax? I have friends who always refer to the glass of wine, pedicure, or piece of chocolate as so beneficial because they can finally relax. It sounds a bit dramatic to me. Sure these things are enjoyable (especially chocolate) but come on they aren't really health benefits. Just sit down and take a few deep breaths.

I don't care whether you drink wine or not but really...taking a poll to see how many anonymous posters did it or claiming its good because relaxation is more important makes sense to you?