7.22.2010

In moderation?

Hmmmmm, I just can't do it. Have a drink that is. Not now.

I KNOW that some people, doctors, books, etc say that an occassional beer or glass of wine is perfectly safe during pregnancy, especially now in these last few weeks, but I just can't. Hubby and I stand firm about it. Wow, how times have changed.

I also know that back in the day when our moms were expecting, they drank, smoked, and who knows what else and we all turned out fine (well, jury is still out on some, but you get the point). We also didn't have carseats and high tech saftey toys/gadgets that we do now and we're still here. BUT, they didn't have the research and the information like we do now to make the best decisions.

It seems to be the "norm" has changed again. When you are newly pregnant, one of the sure fire ways to detect it, is someone NOT partaking in happy hour....well, in our group of friends anyway. In fact, sometimes when I wasn't even expecting I would get grilled why I wasn't having a drink at a casual get together - when either I just didn't want one or I was the DD. So, I find it odd that I'm 6 weeks away from my due date and I'm getting the same type of questions. I have been to some recent events and gatherings and I have been questioned if I would like a glass of wine or beer, but when I decline, everyone wants to tell me how safe it is and I should if I want to.

IF I wanted to, I would, but I don't. I just can't wrap my brain around it. I haven't found any reason why I should. I know that every pregnancy is different. I know that every situation is different. I also know that if ANYTHING happened to this baby or me or whatever I would feel extra guilty knowing that I participated in drinking while I was pregnant - even if that wasn't the cause. Who knows for sure? I just can't take that risk.

I can say that I feel confident that I can give up something for 9 months and feel great! In retrospect of a child's life and well-being, I don't think that is too long to abstain from anything!

NOW, I'm not knocking those that have a drink, I am just simply saying that this is MY choice and MY opinion on it. I do not judge or criticize anyone for indulging while you are carrying your own child....that's your decision. This is mine. Please respect it!

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I agree with you completely. It's your choice and no one else's. You're taking the available information and making a decision on it based on your understanding, judgement and conscience. Why take the chance anyway? I mean, they used to tell people that smoking wasn't bad for your health until common sense and research proved that it was. Who's to say that 5 years down the road they won't tell us that even one glass of wine causes some sort of damage to a child en utero?

Giving up something that even has a chance at a detrimental effect to your baby is definitely worth it.

Mrs. M said...

It is good that you made your own informed decision. In my opinion, I don't think anyone should drink or smoke during pregnancy. I wouldn't want to do anything harmful to the growing baby, both alcohol and tobacco reck havoc on our bodies, why wouldn't it do worse to a newly forming/growing one? That's just my opinion though, and everyone has the right to make their own decision on this big choice. Feel proud in your decision, because it was your decision.

Heather and Brandon said...

I completely agree!

Don't get me wrong, I miss the wine, but when the husband has some, I may have a sip (as long as I have food in my stomach so it doesn't go straight to my blood stream) Beer, I haven't touched since.

I'm too afraid of the negative effects too. I've heard there's no known safe amount, so doctors are against it.

Oh, by the way, did I tell you I'm expecting?

Anonymous said...

I also totally agree! I couldn't live with myself knowing I *might* have hurt my unborn baby. The thought wouldnt even cross my mind. Good choice mama!