Drinking while pregnant

[Overcomer]

Does anyone know someone who drank during pregnancy?  A 20 year old girl I know (a college student) is six months pregnant and has gone out a couple times a week and got drunk.  She is six months along and I am worried for the baby?  Any "normal" babies born in this circumstance?

[Twoapenny]

I have a friend who drank and smoked through all three of her pregnancies and delivered three large, healthy babies.  It's a huge risk to take when you're pregnant and personally I am completely against it - I don't think the odd drink is a major problem but quite honestly even sugar and coffee are bad for you and ought to be avoided.  That said, she must know the risks?  I don't think anyone can claim to be unaware of the risks these days?  My neice is still smoking, almost eight months along now.  Why people get pregnant and then refuse to make lifestyle changes is beyond me but I don't think there's anyway of predicting whether or not it will cause a problem - which probably doesn't help you much at all!  Sorry!

[teartracks]

Hi Kelly,

There is lots of information on the web about what happens when a mother drinks or drugs while pregnant, none of it good.  The fallout of the mother's drinking affects the physical and mental  condition of the baby in a multitude of ways.  In some states, fetal abuse laws have been implemented in cases where the mother refuses to quit drugs and/or alcohol while pregnant.

tt

[Hopalong]

Kelly, hon, how are you doing?
Feeling?

It's good to hear you.

I stopped all alcohol throughout my pregnancy. At the due date I had one drink, a bourbon and water. Enjoyed it. Came home that evening and my water broke.

(But I never stopped smoking, to my shame.) She was born very healthy though.

xo
Hops