Emma here,
Shannon has just phoned me. Bruce is taking her out for a meal at Shed 5, lucky thing. Hope the night is clear so she can really relax and enjoy the harbour lights of Wellington.
She ask if it is OK to have a glass or two of wine, with her dinner.
Heavily drinking throughout pregnancy, i.e. more than 80g of alcohol per day(equivalent to 10 units), is linked with an increased risk of fetal alcohol syndrome.(James and Ralph, 2000). There is currently a lack of consensus opinion on what is a safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy (Williamson 2006). The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist (RCOG) concluded that consumption of more than 3 drinks per week during the first trimester of pregnancy leads to increased risk of spontaneous abortion, and intakes over 15 units per week may have a negative effect on birthweight. The RCOG advises women to be cautious about their alcohol consumption during pregnancy and to consume no more than one standard drink per day(RCOG 1999). Australia and Canada recommend complete abstinence from alcohol. (Mukherjee et al. 2005).
I informed Shannon of the above, in a way she could understand, so that she and Bruce could make an informed decision on whether to drink or not. I am glad that they are going out for the night. I hope she doesn't suffer from nausea, at the wrong moment.
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6 comments:
What you've said here makes sense in view of how women are defined as alcoholics ie if you're an alcoholic if you drink 12 units per week, then surely it must have an adverse effect on the baby.
Having said that, what is the definition of alcoholism in women - anyone know?
We had a lovely dinner! Bruce wasn't cranky and I didn't feel too bad. We had great conversation, something we've been lacking for a while. I chose not to have a drink. I want to create the absolute best environment for this wee one, and I don't need alcohol to enjoy myself. Geee! Just not to cook a meal is a treat!
I was going to ask this question as an anonymous person but you have got the blog set up so I cannot be anonymous, so just pretend I'm someone else.
I am 12 weeks pregnant as well. I didn't know I was pregnant until about 2 weeks ago. I don't drink now I know I'm pregnant but before then I was a real party girl. I went to quite a number of 21st birthday parties (all my crowd are all the same age) and a couple of weddings so I have been drinking a lot. Now I am really worried that my heavy drinking has affected my baby. Will he/she be born abnormal?
Glad the two of them got out for a nice dinner out!
Having several children in our lives with FASD (foetal alcohol spectrum disorder) and the fact that I don't particularly like drinking even when not pregnant or lactating. I didn't drink during my 'planned pregnancies'.
That said. I didn't notice my last child in residence until she was 13 weeks along. I'd had a glass of wine with dinner before discovering her.
And I thought I had the flu! ha!
Alcohol Advisory council of New Zealand(alac) say that alcohol or other drugs are a problem for the person who is using them when they negatively affect their health and wellbeing, behaviour, relationships or the ability to live a projuctive life. Sound convincing to me.
Completely off topic: Here is the details of a free online seminar that's happening next week. Please feel free to disseminate information to anyone you think may be interested:
Infant bedsharing - what happens at night
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