Should I stop drinking now that I'm planning to have a baby?
Expert: Jill Stovsky, M.A. [See Biography]
Question: Should I stop drinking now that I'm planning to have a baby?
Jill Stovsky: Yes. Your baby develops rapidly during the first weeks of pregnancy, even before you may suspect that you're expecting. Some research shows that even a moderate level of alcohol can increase the risk of a miscarriage. Experts haven't yet defined a safe level of alcohol for women who are pregnant, nor do they know whether or how babies differ in their sensitivity and reaction to alcohol. But because the harmful effects of alcohol during pregnancy are well known, women trying to conceive and those already pregnant should probably play it safe and avoid all alcoholic beverages.
That said, if you're trying to get pregnant, it's most important that you don't drink during the second half of your cycle, after you've ovulated, because that's when you might be pregnant. If you get your period, it's okay to have a couple of glasses of wine during the first half of your cycle while you're waiting to ovulate again. For nonalcoholic alternatives, see BabyCenter's list of the best 'virgin' drinks.
What if you had a few cocktails before you found out you're pregnant? Don't worry; a few drinks on a couple of occasions early in pregnancy won't harm your baby.
Question: Should I stop drinking now that I'm planning to have a baby?
Jill Stovsky: Yes. Your baby develops rapidly during the first weeks of pregnancy, even before you may suspect that you're expecting. Some research shows that even a moderate level of alcohol can increase the risk of a miscarriage. Experts haven't yet defined a safe level of alcohol for women who are pregnant, nor do they know whether or how babies differ in their sensitivity and reaction to alcohol. But because the harmful effects of alcohol during pregnancy are well known, women trying to conceive and those already pregnant should probably play it safe and avoid all alcoholic beverages.
That said, if you're trying to get pregnant, it's most important that you don't drink during the second half of your cycle, after you've ovulated, because that's when you might be pregnant. If you get your period, it's okay to have a couple of glasses of wine during the first half of your cycle while you're waiting to ovulate again. For nonalcoholic alternatives, see BabyCenter's list of the best 'virgin' drinks.
What if you had a few cocktails before you found out you're pregnant? Don't worry; a few drinks on a couple of occasions early in pregnancy won't harm your baby.
